8 Reasons to Celebrate American Dads This Week
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- 7 min read
Theodore was only 25 when his wife, Alice, died. She passed just two days after their sweet baby Alice was born.
In grief, he wrote in his diary, "The light has gone out of my life." That sort of devastation might derail dreams and even destinies. At that moment, this young father's life may have seemed dark and directionless, but young Theodore Roosevelt did not give up. He embraced his role as father to Alice and, two years later, earned the love of Edith, who would become his second wife. The two had five more children before he rose to the US Presidency, and his role as father and husband was never eclipsed by his position of power.
The White House (officially named by Roosevelt) was bursting at the seams with six energetic boys and girls who rambled and adventured throughout the mansion, making it lively and sometimes a little chaotic. In addition to this boisterous family, the White House was home to an assortment of animals, including snakes, guinea pigs, a pony, and a badger. There was never such an adventurous and affection-filled family residing in The People's House, before or since. And of the 26th president, the Theodore Roosevelt Association website states that despite his lofty position, "he took even greater satisfaction from his role as husband and father." 1
This month, we celebrate our own dads, husbands, and adult sons for their pivotal role in the strength, stability, and future of our nation. They are the fathers who stand watch over America's most important societal infrastructure: families. We love them for caring, protecting, providing, and taking out the trash.
We will note that, just as there are no perfect moms, there are also no perfect dads. Still, when a father is present, committed, and growing with his family, what he can add to the family dynamic is irreplaceable.
That's why we are sharing eight reasons to celebrate these heroes of American life.
Dads Protect and Provide
Home feels safe and secure when a father and husband takes his role seriously, protecting and providing for his family. As defender of the home, he may be armed to confront an intruder with nefarious intent and also ready to slay the spider with a rolled-up magazine at the alarm of his daughter's blood-curdling scream.
For many years, wives ran the household while husbands went out to work for "the man," providing for their families. Times have changed, and now a majority of American families need two incomes. Still, men often lead the way, even as they partner with their wives to create the synergy of the family culture and provision. As a wife who stayed home with my kiddos for many years – then reentered the workplace out of financial necessity - I am grateful for my husband's commitment to provide and his diligent hard work to that end. At the risk of being accused of being a trad wife (which is actually fine by me), I will say that my husband's leadership and vigilance have given his daughters and me peace and stability in sometimes tumultuous times. My hat is off to dads who strive to protect and provide each and every day.
Dads Boost Emotional Stability
Studies reveal the many ways involved fathers impact their children's emotional well-being. His active presence builds his child's self-worth and confidence, often leading to better school and relationship outcomes. Kids who benefit from having their dad in the home are often more respectful, less likely to become violent, and more likely to succeed across various areas of life.2
My own father, a colonel in the Army, brought a quiet strength that surrounded me growing up. He was not emotive, but imparted love and strength through his involvement in my life. He modeled resilience during hard times and served as an emotional anchor for all of us when we faced family challenges – including our many moves due to military life. And, when he once told me that he truly believed I could accomplish anything I was willing to put the work into, his words proved to be a rock of emotional stability that has played through my mind throughout my own career and family life.
Dads Teach Dad Stuff
Life skills and common sense – a good dad will impart both. No one else would be willing to tolerate our youthful ignorance. As a teen, one day I thought my car had broken down because it wouldn't start. It wouldn't! It took my dad to set me straight. The car won't start if it's in drive – it has to be in park. Sure, I felt stupid, but Dad was always there, with an amused smirk, but there just the same.
Dads teach us how to set the thermostat, and that golf is the perfect programming while taking a well-deserved nap. They also teach us how to boldly ask for what we need, not be afraid to do the hard things, and make sure the gas tank isn't on E. Dads have ready advice on how to prepare for a first job interview and the proper way to shake hands. You may have heard your father stress that hard work will bring reward, and you probably could name another dozen or more bits of timeless wisdom your father shared. Dads are the best.
Dads Bring the Fun
"Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? The food was great – but it had no atmosphere."
No?
Okay, try this one:
"If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims."
Classic.
"Dad jokes" have become a fixture in American culture, shining a light on the humor in the heart of fathers near and far. They are simple, silly, and sometimes cringe-worthy – but kids can't get enough. A fun-loving dad brings such life to a growing family, from pillow fights to piggyback rides, to all the kids wrestling him to the ground. Many dads bring the painful humor, physical comedy, and definitely the best tickles.
In our home, we have someone we call "Vacation Dad." It's my husband's alter ego – kind of like the HULK, except his transformation happens when that warm Florida air hits his face. When our daughters experience this fun-loving version of dad, they light up because they know fun is on the way. Gone is the stoic and sometimes-stressed-out provider who is watching every penny (along with lights left on and thermostats set too low); instead, he is doling out twenties – sometimes fifties- to his girls, a little extra vacay cash from their dear old dad. He laughs and jokes and lets down what's left of his hair. None of us can get enough of Vacation Dad.
Dads Strengthen Sons
Fathers are the strongest example possible for their sons. Boys will model the behavior and values they see in their dad. Research has revealed that a loving father can have a dramatic impact on sons' (and daughters') health, even affecting their cardiovascular and metabolic systems.3 Further, as we mentioned earlier, kids with fathers in the home have lower rates of emotional struggles and higher academic success. When grown, they can achieve higher incomes and healthier relationships than those without a father's influence.4
Despite possible youthful bumps in the road, the dad sets the standard for masculinity, fatherhood, and being a good husband in the future. And though they never do it perfectly, even in parental missteps, a young man can learn how to apologize and the importance of making things right.
Dads Help Daughters Thrive
He's the first man in your girl's life. He is the example of how she should expect to be treated by guys. Dads are uniquely positioned to validate their daughters by conveying, in words and action, their value and immeasurable potential. A dad who bolsters his little girl's interests, bents, and efforts to find her place in the world, whether it's on a little league team or a college campus, is giving her strength now and resilience she can call on later.
His perspective as a man and his life experience make him a deep well of wisdom and guidance for his girl. He can guide them in boldness and healthy risk-taking. In our family, as I mothered my girls, I sometimes protected them too much from disappointment, or things they were afraid of. Meanwhile, their dad was gently pressuring them to get on that roller coaster or try out a new business idea. From him, they learned grit, courage, and diligence. Thank God for his perspective.
Dads Build a Foundation of Family Faith
If you're blessed with a dad (or husband) who is living a life committed to faith, he is building a foundation for the family and hope for his children that can only be found in a relationship with God. By living a vibrant and authentic Christian life (even if not perfectly – again, there are no flawless fathers), kids are given a lifelong treasure.
Through faith, they can learn how to respond to hard times and difficult situations. They can build lives of gratitude, grace, and resilience. Though challenges and storms are part of life, there is a God who cares and will never leave us to face them alone.
My husband is facing a serious health battle right now. Cancer has returned, and his girls are seeing his pain and also how he is living his faith where the rubber meets the road. His example is showing them tangibly that Jesus can sustain us through every storm.
Dads Never Ever Give Up
I miss my dad. If you've had to say goodbye to your father – I'm sure you can relate. Our parents, especially our dads, loved us fiercely and never ever gave up on our potential. He led us through teenage heartbreak and dented fenders. Through parenting struggles and career crashes, he comforted - and celebrated our triumphs with fatherly pride. No one ever believed in me as he did, and I imagine no one ever will. He was a giant in my life, and a gift I never deserved.
Your dad or your husband may never be famous. He may never be on the cover of Time or Dad Magazine (yes, it's a thing). He may never live in the White House, but he is making history nonetheless – in the lives of his own children, the future of our nation.
In one of his writings, Theodore Roosevelt wrote, "There is no form of happiness on the Earth, no form of success of any kind, that in any way approaches the happiness of the husband and the wife who are married lovers, and the father and mother of plenty of healthy children."
Let's hear it for the dads!
Podcast Note: This week, we're celebrating the importance of fatherhood with our guest, EksAyn Anderson. A devoted husband and father, EksAyn is also a respected speaker and author whose work has been featured on Forbes.com, and he hosts The Principle Podcast. Don't miss his thoughtful insight and real-life wisdom.