Taking it back

Just something I have to talk about. Everywhere I go I see things directed at moms. Not yours in particular but moms in general. It is very rare to see a dad-centric item. And I want to know why that is. Could it be that fathers the world over simply do not give a shit about their children? I highly doubt that to be true. I have talked to a few men who are really into being a dad. They, like me, cannot wait. Every magazine in the store about parenting is geared towards women. Most magazines that are geared towards women have something about being a mom. Most mens magazines have cars, sports, women, and entertainment as their primary focus. Why? Are fathers uninterested in their children because that is how they truly fell or is it that they are not told to care. And if they have to be told to care then they should maybe rethink the whole lifetime responsibility thing. This is a subject that really bothers me. Look in the aisle of any baby section. You will find a ton of packages for miscellaneous items that primarily feature women as the art. Every time I go into one of these stores I leave pissed. I take it as a slap in the face. I care about my kids. I am excited about being a father. And yes, I give a shit what kind of bottle is best for my children. I care about what type of detergent I should use or what type of car seat is best. I would like someone to write an article giving me advice on how to talk to my potential daughter when the boy in school ignores her. I don't know that shit. And not every woman has gone through the experiences that their daughters will have. Looking to join a womens group? No problem. Looking to get together with the guys and discuss some tips? Good luck. But that is ok. Because I am taking it back. I am taking back the role of father in this society. I will not be viewed as a man who does not care. I will seek out advice and try and help other men see that it is ok to care. And not just in a I love them 'cause they are mine kind of way. In a way that says I honestly care. We live in a world full of assholes. I know there are parents that do not care about their children, both men and women. I have met them. I have talked to them. It is no small wonder that our country finds itself in the state it is in now. I call for an end to absentee parenting. Would it be easier to plunk my kids in front of the tv and let some show educate them. Of course it would. I could let them get their advice from some anonymous person via the internet. I could let them a movie instead of reading the book with them. But I won't. Life is about balance. I will not deny my child me. I am awesome. And by proxy, my kids will be awesome. They will watch tv, it will not babysit them. They will play video games; the games will not teach them right from wrong. They will see great movies, and think about the world. My kids will contribute because I will be involved. We will walk the dogs, play in the park, sit and talk, and be involved.
So if you are a dad that happens along this site, become involved. Be a parent not just a provider. Talk with other dads about what is going on. What works and what does not. Be excited that you have someone in your life that will love you unconditionally and do every thing in your power not to fuck that up. Do not let society tell you what your role is. Decide what your role is. Wear your number one dad shirt to more than just the gym. Drink out of your world's greatest father mug in front of people, not just your kids. Be the type of dad you wish you were, not the one you think you can be.