A Take On Father's Day

[Jodi Underhill]

Ever thought of a little different twist on "Father's
Day"? Perhaps one that encourages the men we
celebrate to honor the title "Father"? So many
children Sunday will be thinking of a person who
not only isn't there....but doesn't take the time
to be involved in their lives. While there are those who beat
the odds, (President Obama)...most kids, both boys
and girls suffer the impact of an absentee father
throughout their lives.

Is it the genes that make a father or can man
grow into a "Dad"? Fathers many times are excluded
from their childrens' lives after a break up with
Mothers only to fall into oblivion believing perhaps
that it is best for their children in the long run. Nothing
could be further from the truth. Whether their children
are boys or girls....the affect on their self esteem
can be irreversable.

Children will take their cues on relationships from one
of the two first models they have....their fathers. John
Mayer once sang, "Fathers be good to your daughters...daughters
will love like you do..." as do sons. For whatever reason for his
absence a Dad who isn't there in a kid's life sends a message to the child...."you aren't worth it"...a clear stamp on their young hearts.

The journey back to your children if you have been gone is not easy and it can
feel like a roller coaster filled with booby traps at times. But, the end game is
reconnecting with that child and to let them know their worth through their
father's eyes. If you honor your title of "Father", "Dad","Pop".....reach out
this Sunday...forgive yourself and pick up the phone. Being a model of
handling the hard work is such a part being a Father after all.


Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor &
Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor
License #MH9166
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]