On my way to a Dad 2.O conference a couple of years ago, I ran into Hogan Hilling and Al Watts from the National at-home Dad Network at the airport. Over the next few days, we talked about all things dad related. And then this past year, Al told me about a book he was putting together, Dads Behaving Dadly, that included voices from a wide variety of dads. When he asked if I wanted to be a part of it, I thought for maybe a millisecond before I agreed to send them some stories. And I sent them in bunches.
It was important for me to be a part of this book. For me, the idea behind the book was something I’ve been trying to accomplish with my blog for some time. I want the world to know that dads are good. We not only love our families, but are active participants.
And that’s what this book showcases. I know many of the dads that have stories in this book, and we are all seeking to shape the cultural image of dads, regardless of where we come from. There are straight dads and gay dads, Christian dads and Atheist dads, working dads and stay-at-home dads, and we are all trying to do the best we can.
Even if I didn’t have a story in the book, I would promote this book. I grew up in a time where dads weren’t equipped to really parent their kids. The stereotypical father went from Jim Anderson from Father Knows Best to Al Bundy from Married with Children. A lot of men dropped the ball during this time period. And out of it came commercials, TV shows, and movies characterizing men as idiots in regard to family matters. But even worse, kids grew up without a loving father to pass on wisdom, provide direction and guidance, and heap love and praises upon them.
Thankfully, Dads Behaving Dadly and others books from fellow dads are reaching stores and portraying us in a new light. Hopefully everyone will go out and buy the book and be inspired, find hope, or in many cases, understand that they are not alone in their parenting frustrations or joys.
If you want to read the story that I submitted, and so many other wonderful stories by dads that are lovingly raising their children, please buy Dads Behaving Dadly.