Be an active part of your child's life...

In many ways, the role of parent over the past few decades hasn't changed at all. Provide, teach, love, etc.

What has changed is the environment and cyber environment we live in. There are so many negative external factors that influence the youth of today. This just means that as "First Dad", we need to be involved as much as possible.

Whether it is showing your son how to eat a popsicle without dropping it, or showing him his first lady bug. We have to be active with our children and expose them to as many experiences as possible. Don't let all of the day to day clutter and distractions get in the way.

I look back to my childhood and still remember things I used to do that I'm sure made me the person I am today. Here is some more food for thought:

http://www.fathers.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=109

What type of father will you be?

First Dad

Our new first lady is being applauded for becoming "First Mom." In this roll, she plans to shed light on issues effecting moms, particularly military moms, as well as working moms. I think it's a great perspective to bring to America because parenting is hard - especially in a struggling economy where parents are working harder to give their children a better life. I wonder if Hillary Clinton had become our President, if Bill Clinton would have become "First Dad." I recognize Chelsea is older now, but I wonder if we can think about a time when we have a First Dad. Someone who can teach dads how to put on a diaper. Someone to make a schedule of things a dad can do with baby - especially when baby barely moves or says anything. A timeline so that dads know when to feed the baby. I realize moms bear the brunt of raising kids, but parenting is new for dads, too. I am a dad who actively engages my child. Who looks forward to weekends when all I have to worry about is whether or not I'll take my son to the park or to the zoo.

After a large learning curve, I feel somewhat like a "First Dad" and wonder when there will be someone to stand up for us, too.