In the generation where gender equality gap and feminism are prevalent, fathers are rarely recognized for their parenting efforts or child raising skills. In fact, we often see mothers being honored here and there while dads, who usually are silent under the shadow of their wives or partners, are seldom praised.
As the world celebrates the upcoming Father's Day on June 19, this article will give you a glimpse on the importance of fatherhood as well as how becoming a dad changed a man's life. In addition, this article will also take you through the rewarding journey of fatherhood.
Why Fatherhood Is The Ultimate Milestone In A Man's Life
Father's Day 2016 is just around the corner and the best way to kick off the celebration is by sharing the reflection of Dr. Mark Echols about fatherhood on his Father's Day message published on Huffington Post. According to Echols, he considered fatherhood as the most significant event in a man's life, whether planned or by circumstance.
Became a father almost 14 years ago, Echols said fatherhood changed his life. However, it wasn't until the years that followed that his realizations of becoming a dad sunk in.
Over the years, Echols championed his daily routine, consisting of feeding and clothing the kids as well as taking them to school. He also became an exemplary father who takes his children to doctor's appointments, going to the parks on weekends and going to church on Sundays.
Echols, however, realized that fatherhood was not merely being a good father. But it was more of establishing the so-called "legacy."
"I thought of all those tasks as being a good father, repeating things I had seen from my father and grandfather," Echols wrote. "I eventually realized that my daily routine was much bigger than just being a good father, I now understood what I was really doing was building a legacy."
The Rewards Of Fatherhood
Just like motherhood, becoming a father is also be rewarding. In fact, Echols admitted that he's enjoying taking his kids to the playground, playing with his daughters, watching and playing sports with his son and having movie dates with them.
Echols also stressed that though he enjoyed every quality time he spent with his children, he valued and understood the importance of discipline in child raising. Since his children were his legacy, he taught them important lessons about life, God and how to be a good person who values life.
Despite the fact that only a few men could have the opportunity of the ability build legacies, Echols said every dad leaves a legacy to his children. He also added that it's the children's responsibility to carry the names of their dads and their lessons across several generations.
"Every father is a branch of their own family tree and through our children, we will always be remembered (even after we've passed away)," Echols said. "This is what legacy is truly about, and it is why being a father is important."
Celebrating Father's Day With Comics And Picture Books
In other related Father's Day news, there are several comics that depicted the tale of fatherhood more realistically. In fact, Publishers Weekly suggested 11 great comics for dads and for children who wanted to give their fathers unconventional gifts.
Maria Russo of The New York Times, on the other hand, shared new picture books about modern fatherhood. These include "Beard Boy," "A Brave Bear" and "My Dad Used To Be So Cool."
So, what are your plans for Father's Day 2016? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
