During the past year, my son became a father. I am not sure if he is happier that he has a child or has a new playmate. He approaches fatherhood with a huge dose of fun. They roar like lions and do the chicken dance together. I am very proud of him.
I have found that fathers have changed in each generation. My dad’s focus was to provide for the family. He had very limited interaction with us kids. My husband followed that similar logic but worked at being supportive by attending the kids’ events. My son does provide for the family, he is supportive but he adds fun, lots of fun, to the mixture.
In general parenting seems to change with time. As a mom I started way over my head. I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but couldn’t handle it. It was too big of a job for me and I felt totally incompetent. I did find a compromise and worked part time. I also got some education via books and classes. Amazing I got a college education, plus attend classes every year to maintain my CPA license, but never once had a class on how to raise children. I am thankful I had a lot more resources than my mom did and I used them.
I started out learning from my parents, but it didn’t work for me. I wanted more. I choose to be different, just as my son is making his choices. It brings me joy to see the father he is becoming!
What kind of parent are you? One you have chosen to be or one by default?
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there.
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom, CPA
