Remember pretending to be a bear wrestling with your kids or as a monster crawling around in the dark while your kids scream and laugh, hiding on the bed. We all played those games. Do you remember the joy? Do you remember the laughter? Do you see the gentle smiles on your kids’ faces when you do a good thing or take the time to get down on one knee and really hear them? These moments matter more than we realize.
As we grow older through the different stages of fatherhood, roles change, but consistency should not. A toddler wants to be carried. A teenager wants independence. A young adult discovers they still need us in many different ways. We don’t have all the answers, but we should stay present and revel in the role of being an anchor for the ones we love.
As fathers, we’re conditioned to be providers, protectors, and problem-solvers. We worry about financial security, and spend hours thinking about how to move our families forward.
How do I create an environment of hope for my children and a safe place for my wife to thrive, not only as a mother, but as a woman in pursuit of her own goals and excellence? How do I create lasting memories that feel good?
These things all matter, and can be demanding…
Fatherhood carries a weight that goes unspoken. We’re so focused on keeping our jobs, the house, and the lights on that we forget to check in on ourselves. We convince ourselves that being strong means working without a “PAUSE”.
Yet strength is not measured by how much we get beaten down.
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and with Father’s Day upon us, it feels like a good time to remind dads that it’s okay to take a second for Dad. For me, it’s coffee by myself at my favorite spot. Emphasis on by myself!
Or a stroll through the neighborhoods near Georgetown, D.C., where even a warm summer day somehow manages to feel like fall with all the shade. Those chances to unwind will look different for everyone. But it’s important to find time for those opportunities. So rest, reflect, breathe, and lean into all the things that make us glow.
Being a father is the best! Sit on the steps, and love yourself enough to know your limits.
It’s ok to have limits. Happy Father’s Day!
Andre Collins
Executive Director
Share this article
Our social media accounts are a great way to stay engaged with our community. We welcome your feedback on our programs and services!
