By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christine_Larsen]Christine Larsen
As I researched a tribute I was writing for my Dad, and trying to make it a 'timely' pre-release for the electronic or Internet countdown calendar for special events/anniversaries, I realised that the date of Father's Day in Australia, was not the same in the USA, or Canada, or UK... and my carefully planned timing therefore, was wrong!
Following recovery of my customary poise and 'cool' (?), my curiosity took over, and a whole new Pandora's Box of research reared its ugly head (occasionally a resemblance to a sniffer dog can been noted in my relentless pursuit of information and knowledge!).
So here were some of the questions I asked myself. And most times, myself found the answers - eventually!
When and where was the first Father's Day celebration?
On July 5th, 1908 in a church in West Virginia, USA, a special service was held to honour the deaths and celebrate the lives of 250 fathers (out of 361 men in total) who had died in a mining disaster a few months earlier. This terrible toll deprived over 1,000 children of having a father - and a complete family.
Did it follow annually from that date?
No. It would seem it was unpopular date - even considered inappropriate - because it followed America's joyous Independence Day celebrations too closely, being just the one day after the famous 4th July.
So what date was decided for the USA to celebrate...and why?
The 3rd Sunday in June was chosen, following the efforts of an Arkansas resident, Sonora Smart Dodd to have Father's Day recognised, in the same way as Mother's Day was being promoted. Sonora's personal interest stemmed from being one of six children raised by a single parent (also a Civil War veteran), and she had strongly wished it to be on June 5th, her father's birthday. Although the concept was accepted, the date didn't leave organisers sufficient time, and the 3rd Sunday in June was nominated and the first Father's Day celebrated in Spokane, Washington.
Was Father's Day now 'official'?
No. Despite various US Presidents recognising the day - or having wanted to make it 'official' (Woodrow Wilson in 1916; Calvin Coolidge in 1924; Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966). it was not until 1972, when Richard Nixon actually signed it into law that it was made a permanent National Holiday in the USA.
Which other countries celebrate on this same day?
Canada, England, France, half of South America, China, India, and Japan all share the same date for Father's Day as the USA.
Australia celebrates on the 1st Sunday in September, but it's not a public holiday. Why?
The choice of date remains a mystery, (despite my exhaustive, and exhausting research efforts), and I can only speculate on why it's not a public holiday. Maybe the Australian people felt there were enough public holidays already? And of course, there is no public holiday for Mother's Day either, probably setting a precedent.
Are there any countries that don't observe Father's Day at all?
Over two-thirds of Africa, and some Far Eastern countries do not observe Father's Day. I have not been able to establish the reason for this.
And here's a little 'trivia' that I discovered whilst researching this subject -
There are significantly fewer phone calls, cards and gifts on Father's Day than Mother's Day, reflecting the larger number of households with a mother (particularly single mothers), but not a father.
Interestingly, despite the smaller number of phone calls to Dads on Father's Day, an amazingly high percentage of these are collect calls (or reverse charge calls).
Oh-h-h...poor old Dad! Always needing his hand in his pocket for something!
� 2011 Christine Larsen All Rights Reserved Worldwide
And here's what created this whole line of questioning - [http://www.squidoo.com/in-my-fathers-day]My Father's Day is Every Day and how all these various dates impacted on my 'perfect timing' (NOT!) - [http://cdcraftee.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/some-fathers-do-ave-em]Some Fathers Do 'Ave 'Em
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?But,-When-Was-the-First-Fathers-Day?&id=6465534] But, When Was the First Father's Day?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Being A Good Father
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Helen_Drake]Helen Drake
Research has found that children with emotionally available fathers do much better in school, relate better with teachers and generally have better peer relationships than children whose fathers are more emotionally distant. Children with fathers who are overly critical or dismissing of emotions are more likely to do poorly in school, fight more with friends and suffer poor health.
The single most preventative factor for reducing behavioral risks such as drug and alcohol abuse, early sexual activity, smoking and depression, is children's relationship to their parents, with fathers being noted as being of particular importance.
Being known means letting down the walls and sharing your life story, and having the courage to show your flaws, fears and joys. This is not to say that one should overburden a child with inappropriate revelations - it's about giving your child the gift of knowing who you are and what you feel on a regular basis.
What was your relationship like with your father? What were you like as a kid? Children need and want genuine insights into who you were (and are) as a person, not just as their father, but so that they can better understand who they are and where they come from. Let them into your experiences - the good and the bad, being embarrassed and feeling anxious, overcoming challenges, etc.
Share your stories about your life with your child. What stories are appropriate to share? The short answer is, trust your gut. While there are no hard and fast rules, here are a few guidelines:
Let your stories emerge naturally and in context. Bring up subjects too sometimes by saying things like, "when I was your age, I used to feel self conscious. Do you feel like that sometimes?" Tell them stories about things that are going on in your present life too. Include how you feel about things and not just facts. When you talk about your own feelings, you help children understand theirs.
When telling you child about your own childhood and the relationship you had with your father, keep in mind that your children have a relationship with their grandfather and do not divide a child's loyalties. If you had a physically, mentally, sexually or emotionally abusive father, then seek professional advice before sharing such stories; maybe talk about how you try to do things differently than your father did.
As well as sharing your stories you can also improve your relationship with your child in other ways:
Have fun. Fatherhood is a big responsibility but it can also be a lot of fun. Let them know that you enjoy spending time with them and love being their father.
Try to spend as much time with your children as possible, and take an equal share of the responsibility. Some fathers miss spending time with their kids because they have other responsibilities or interests, but you have to remember that once the opportunity has passed, it's gone and you can't get it back. If you don't establish an intimacy with your children when they're young, it'll be difficult to catch up when they're older and still need your help and support.
Practice what you preach. Children need to be taught right from wrong and will need to see it demonstrated by their father. Let them see you make decisions and explain to them why you came to that resolution. Tell them about life choices that you made in the past and why they did (or didn't) work out. Teach them that it's okay to make mistakes... everyone does; that it's important to learn from your mistakes and try to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again
Show affection. Some men are uncomfortable showing their children affection and communicating their love, but it not only shows your child that you love them, but it also teaches them that it's okay to show affection to others.
Respect your children's mother. Mutual respect is very important whether you are married (or living with one another) or not. Children tend to mimic the way their parents behave and how you treat your child's mother will influence the way in which the child will view his or her own role when they themselves are married or in a relationship. Try to work as a partnership, be on the same page about how to discipline and reward your child and be consistent.
Don't put unreasonable expectations on your children. Children can have lots of pressures, from siblings to kids at school to teachers to coaches. Talk to them about their goals in life and help them set achievable ones. Never bring them down by telling them that they are not good enough but always try to boost their self esteem and be sure to offer praise where it is due. Encourage them to meet their full potential but avoid living vicariously through them by expecting them to achieve what you had achieved or hoped to have achieved.
Don't have unreasonable expectations of yourself either as a parent. You are a very important part of your child's development but many other people and things will influence their development and growth. Just as you can't take credit for all of your child's strengths you also shouldn't shoulder the blame for their weaknesses.
Finally, realize that your job as a father is not over when they reach 21. You should encourage them to be independent - emotionally and financially, but at the same time, let them know that you love them and will always be there for them.
Responsible for all editorial content - research, writing, proofreading and editing - for a health magazine. This is a magazine aimed at all health professionals - doctors, dentists, chiropractors, etc - and to the general public. As a certified Reiki Master, my articles tend to lean towards preventative measures; healthy eating; healthy lifestyle; alternative therapies and natural healing.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Being-A-Good-Father&id=6457792] Being A Good Father
Research has found that children with emotionally available fathers do much better in school, relate better with teachers and generally have better peer relationships than children whose fathers are more emotionally distant. Children with fathers who are overly critical or dismissing of emotions are more likely to do poorly in school, fight more with friends and suffer poor health.
The single most preventative factor for reducing behavioral risks such as drug and alcohol abuse, early sexual activity, smoking and depression, is children's relationship to their parents, with fathers being noted as being of particular importance.
Being known means letting down the walls and sharing your life story, and having the courage to show your flaws, fears and joys. This is not to say that one should overburden a child with inappropriate revelations - it's about giving your child the gift of knowing who you are and what you feel on a regular basis.
What was your relationship like with your father? What were you like as a kid? Children need and want genuine insights into who you were (and are) as a person, not just as their father, but so that they can better understand who they are and where they come from. Let them into your experiences - the good and the bad, being embarrassed and feeling anxious, overcoming challenges, etc.
Share your stories about your life with your child. What stories are appropriate to share? The short answer is, trust your gut. While there are no hard and fast rules, here are a few guidelines:
Let your stories emerge naturally and in context. Bring up subjects too sometimes by saying things like, "when I was your age, I used to feel self conscious. Do you feel like that sometimes?" Tell them stories about things that are going on in your present life too. Include how you feel about things and not just facts. When you talk about your own feelings, you help children understand theirs.
When telling you child about your own childhood and the relationship you had with your father, keep in mind that your children have a relationship with their grandfather and do not divide a child's loyalties. If you had a physically, mentally, sexually or emotionally abusive father, then seek professional advice before sharing such stories; maybe talk about how you try to do things differently than your father did.
As well as sharing your stories you can also improve your relationship with your child in other ways:
Have fun. Fatherhood is a big responsibility but it can also be a lot of fun. Let them know that you enjoy spending time with them and love being their father.
Try to spend as much time with your children as possible, and take an equal share of the responsibility. Some fathers miss spending time with their kids because they have other responsibilities or interests, but you have to remember that once the opportunity has passed, it's gone and you can't get it back. If you don't establish an intimacy with your children when they're young, it'll be difficult to catch up when they're older and still need your help and support.
Practice what you preach. Children need to be taught right from wrong and will need to see it demonstrated by their father. Let them see you make decisions and explain to them why you came to that resolution. Tell them about life choices that you made in the past and why they did (or didn't) work out. Teach them that it's okay to make mistakes... everyone does; that it's important to learn from your mistakes and try to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again
Show affection. Some men are uncomfortable showing their children affection and communicating their love, but it not only shows your child that you love them, but it also teaches them that it's okay to show affection to others.
Respect your children's mother. Mutual respect is very important whether you are married (or living with one another) or not. Children tend to mimic the way their parents behave and how you treat your child's mother will influence the way in which the child will view his or her own role when they themselves are married or in a relationship. Try to work as a partnership, be on the same page about how to discipline and reward your child and be consistent.
Don't put unreasonable expectations on your children. Children can have lots of pressures, from siblings to kids at school to teachers to coaches. Talk to them about their goals in life and help them set achievable ones. Never bring them down by telling them that they are not good enough but always try to boost their self esteem and be sure to offer praise where it is due. Encourage them to meet their full potential but avoid living vicariously through them by expecting them to achieve what you had achieved or hoped to have achieved.
Don't have unreasonable expectations of yourself either as a parent. You are a very important part of your child's development but many other people and things will influence their development and growth. Just as you can't take credit for all of your child's strengths you also shouldn't shoulder the blame for their weaknesses.
Finally, realize that your job as a father is not over when they reach 21. You should encourage them to be independent - emotionally and financially, but at the same time, let them know that you love them and will always be there for them.
Responsible for all editorial content - research, writing, proofreading and editing - for a health magazine. This is a magazine aimed at all health professionals - doctors, dentists, chiropractors, etc - and to the general public. As a certified Reiki Master, my articles tend to lean towards preventative measures; healthy eating; healthy lifestyle; alternative therapies and natural healing.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Being-A-Good-Father&id=6457792] Being A Good Father
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Unique Gifts for Dad - Go Bizarre to Show Your Affection
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rachael_Celia_Berlie]Rachael Celia Berlie
Our dad is the most lovable man on earth and the first man we come to know of. Here are some unique gifts for dad. They need not be necessarily given for his birthday. Whenever you think of him you can give him one.
When you leave home either to study or get married, whatever the reason may be your dad is going to definitely miss you. But you can always give him a gift and make him happy. This gift should be rare and funny, so dad can have memories to treasure all his life.
You can buy him a pop up toy to instantly scare him. Give it to him when he's just out of bed then he is bound to jump up and say "oh my goodness what is this?". Only after that he's going to realize the prank played on him. At the same time he will love you with all his heart.
If you gift him with a pair of old fart slippers then every time he uses it he will be in reels of laughter and the whole household will end up laughing. Dad will feel embarrassed, but will put up with it if he feels there's happiness all around him.
What about a funny-shaped mug? When dad drinks his coffee he will keep laughing everyday, I suppose till his coffee is cold! Yet he will prefer to drink in this mug because you gave it to him.
You could give him an oil painting with a bear wearing dad's underwear imagine dad's face! He will be so embarrassed and at the same time delighted!
If you make dad sit on a brain fart cushion is like telling him dad your brain seems to work no more. He might not take it well immediately, but he will laugh like a child.
If the old man is witty then you can give him an inflatable tie where he can doze off at a moment. It is lovely to look at as well as beautifully designed. He might even recommend it to someone. This gift can also be given as a father's day gift.
Give daddy a denture bottle opener and he will be delighted! Whenever his friends come home and he's going to use it, his friends will wonder what their friend is doing with his dentures! They might refuse their drink till the explanation is sorted out and dad tells them his lovely son or daughter gave it to him.
You can even make a frightening mask to frighten pop, but make sure he does not have any heart problems, otherwise your gift might change the scene of laughter! Make sure to surprise him by giving him a hair brush if he is bald. He will actually love you and your bizarre gifts.
Finally you can make your father happy by just being a good son or daughter who carries out all his wishes, what could be a more bizarre gift than that?
This article on [http://www.marqartgiftshop.com/Gifts-for-Dad_c_57.html]unique gifts for dad for any occasion was written by Rachael Celia Berlie of MarqART Gift Shop.
Our wood designs are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift.
For meaningful [http://www.marqartgiftshop.com/Unique-Gifts_c_52.html]unique gifts for your loved ones, please visit marqartgiftshop.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Unique-Gifts-for-Dad---Go-Bizarre-to-Show-Your-Affection&id=6474403] Unique Gifts for Dad - Go Bizarre to Show Your Affection
Our dad is the most lovable man on earth and the first man we come to know of. Here are some unique gifts for dad. They need not be necessarily given for his birthday. Whenever you think of him you can give him one.
When you leave home either to study or get married, whatever the reason may be your dad is going to definitely miss you. But you can always give him a gift and make him happy. This gift should be rare and funny, so dad can have memories to treasure all his life.
You can buy him a pop up toy to instantly scare him. Give it to him when he's just out of bed then he is bound to jump up and say "oh my goodness what is this?". Only after that he's going to realize the prank played on him. At the same time he will love you with all his heart.
If you gift him with a pair of old fart slippers then every time he uses it he will be in reels of laughter and the whole household will end up laughing. Dad will feel embarrassed, but will put up with it if he feels there's happiness all around him.
What about a funny-shaped mug? When dad drinks his coffee he will keep laughing everyday, I suppose till his coffee is cold! Yet he will prefer to drink in this mug because you gave it to him.
You could give him an oil painting with a bear wearing dad's underwear imagine dad's face! He will be so embarrassed and at the same time delighted!
If you make dad sit on a brain fart cushion is like telling him dad your brain seems to work no more. He might not take it well immediately, but he will laugh like a child.
If the old man is witty then you can give him an inflatable tie where he can doze off at a moment. It is lovely to look at as well as beautifully designed. He might even recommend it to someone. This gift can also be given as a father's day gift.
Give daddy a denture bottle opener and he will be delighted! Whenever his friends come home and he's going to use it, his friends will wonder what their friend is doing with his dentures! They might refuse their drink till the explanation is sorted out and dad tells them his lovely son or daughter gave it to him.
You can even make a frightening mask to frighten pop, but make sure he does not have any heart problems, otherwise your gift might change the scene of laughter! Make sure to surprise him by giving him a hair brush if he is bald. He will actually love you and your bizarre gifts.
Finally you can make your father happy by just being a good son or daughter who carries out all his wishes, what could be a more bizarre gift than that?
This article on [http://www.marqartgiftshop.com/Gifts-for-Dad_c_57.html]unique gifts for dad for any occasion was written by Rachael Celia Berlie of MarqART Gift Shop.
Our wood designs are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift.
For meaningful [http://www.marqartgiftshop.com/Unique-Gifts_c_52.html]unique gifts for your loved ones, please visit marqartgiftshop.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Unique-Gifts-for-Dad---Go-Bizarre-to-Show-Your-Affection&id=6474403] Unique Gifts for Dad - Go Bizarre to Show Your Affection
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Commercial Origins of Father's Day
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Spencer_Samaroo]Spencer Samaroo
Father's Day is a widely known celebration that honours fathers and celebrates fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the general influence of good fathers in society as a whole. Like Mother's Day it is a world wide celebration, but it is not uniformly celebrated on the same day and is not a public holiday in every country. In fact it is celebrated on 26 different days throughout the year starting on January 6th in Serbia and finishing on 26th December in Bulgaria.
The exact origins of this paternal celebration are unclear but some historians believe that the tradition started in Babylon as long as 4,000 years ago when a son called Elmesu carved a father's day message on a clay card, wishing him a long and healthy life. In more recent times the tradition of celebrating Father's Day in the format it takes today originated in the last century. Though there are several people who are credited for furthering the cause of Father's Day, including the delightfully named Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who organised a 'celebration' to the lives and memories of the 210 fathers who had been tragically lost in the Monongah Mining disaster in West Virginia, on December 6, 1907, it is generally agreed that Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd has the most valuable contribution.
A loving daughter from Spokane, Washington, Ms Dodd is recognized as the founder (or perhaps more appropriately the Mother) of the Father's Day Festival. Conceiving the idea in 1909, at the age of 27, when she happened to hear a Mother's Day sermon, Sonora immediately began to recognise the hardships and sacrifices her father must have made when he was left to bring up his six children alone after his wife died during childbirth. Remembering that she was only 16 at the time Sonora reasoned that if there is already in place day to recognise mothers then why is not there a day to honour fathers?
Initially many people ridiculed Sonora's idea. However this did not deter her and she began a driven and heartfeld campaign of lobbying for the cause of celebrating fathers. Her hard work and dilligence began to show signs of success when the city of Spokane with the support of the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910. To honour her own father, Sonora wished that Father's Day be celebrated on his birthday on June 5, but as it turned out there was not enough time for adequate preparation and the day came to be celebrated on third Sunday in the month of June.
The idea of celebrating Father's Day soon gained support in high places. In the USA President Woodrow Wilson originally approved of it in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge also supported the idea but it was President Lyndon Johnson who first signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June in 1966 to be Father's Day. Finally in 1972, over 60 years after Dodd had first conceived the idea and six years before her death, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.
Despite the support of these Presidents, the YWCA, the YMCA and various churches around the world Father's Day was still derided by some cynics as merely a marketing ploy and the first step to filling the calendar with mindless promotions. To be fair it is not hard to see why they thought this. Originally Father's Day celebrations tended to involve family oriented activities like dinners, picnics and day trips and not necessarily the act of giving a gift. The motivating trigger for this turned out to be The Associated Men's Wear Retailers who formed a National Father's Day Committee in New York City in the 1930s, (which was later renamed in 1938 to National Council for the Promotion of Father's Day and incorporated several other trade groups) with the expressed intention of legitimising the celebration in the minds of the general public and managing it as a commercial event in order to boost sales.
Rather cleverly the Committee used the pervading tendency to ridicule and deride Father's Day to their advantage by mocking the holiday on the very same advertisements they used to promote it. Banking, quite correctly as it turned out, that consumers would feel obliged to buy their father's gifts even though they saw through the commercial fa�ade, the custom of giving gifts on that day became progressively more accepted. By 1937 the Father's Day Council calculated that only one in six Father's had received a present on that day. However, by the 1980s, the Council proclaimed they had achieved their goal as the one-day celebration had now evolved into a three-week commercial event that was like a 'second Christmas'.
Thanks to Sonora, Father's Day today is a hugely popular celebration the world over as people thank their father and pay tribute to his ongoing love and support. Most commonly families still spend quality time together over dinner, at picnics or day trips and children gift their fathers with a wide range of presents. Neckties, grooming products and confectionery being amongst the most popular.
Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar http://www.moolollybar.com.au The best online chocolate, lolly and confectionery store on the web!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Commercial-Origins-of-Fathers-Day&id=4915112] The Commercial Origins of Father's Day
Father's Day is a widely known celebration that honours fathers and celebrates fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the general influence of good fathers in society as a whole. Like Mother's Day it is a world wide celebration, but it is not uniformly celebrated on the same day and is not a public holiday in every country. In fact it is celebrated on 26 different days throughout the year starting on January 6th in Serbia and finishing on 26th December in Bulgaria.
The exact origins of this paternal celebration are unclear but some historians believe that the tradition started in Babylon as long as 4,000 years ago when a son called Elmesu carved a father's day message on a clay card, wishing him a long and healthy life. In more recent times the tradition of celebrating Father's Day in the format it takes today originated in the last century. Though there are several people who are credited for furthering the cause of Father's Day, including the delightfully named Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who organised a 'celebration' to the lives and memories of the 210 fathers who had been tragically lost in the Monongah Mining disaster in West Virginia, on December 6, 1907, it is generally agreed that Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd has the most valuable contribution.
A loving daughter from Spokane, Washington, Ms Dodd is recognized as the founder (or perhaps more appropriately the Mother) of the Father's Day Festival. Conceiving the idea in 1909, at the age of 27, when she happened to hear a Mother's Day sermon, Sonora immediately began to recognise the hardships and sacrifices her father must have made when he was left to bring up his six children alone after his wife died during childbirth. Remembering that she was only 16 at the time Sonora reasoned that if there is already in place day to recognise mothers then why is not there a day to honour fathers?
Initially many people ridiculed Sonora's idea. However this did not deter her and she began a driven and heartfeld campaign of lobbying for the cause of celebrating fathers. Her hard work and dilligence began to show signs of success when the city of Spokane with the support of the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910. To honour her own father, Sonora wished that Father's Day be celebrated on his birthday on June 5, but as it turned out there was not enough time for adequate preparation and the day came to be celebrated on third Sunday in the month of June.
The idea of celebrating Father's Day soon gained support in high places. In the USA President Woodrow Wilson originally approved of it in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge also supported the idea but it was President Lyndon Johnson who first signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June in 1966 to be Father's Day. Finally in 1972, over 60 years after Dodd had first conceived the idea and six years before her death, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.
Despite the support of these Presidents, the YWCA, the YMCA and various churches around the world Father's Day was still derided by some cynics as merely a marketing ploy and the first step to filling the calendar with mindless promotions. To be fair it is not hard to see why they thought this. Originally Father's Day celebrations tended to involve family oriented activities like dinners, picnics and day trips and not necessarily the act of giving a gift. The motivating trigger for this turned out to be The Associated Men's Wear Retailers who formed a National Father's Day Committee in New York City in the 1930s, (which was later renamed in 1938 to National Council for the Promotion of Father's Day and incorporated several other trade groups) with the expressed intention of legitimising the celebration in the minds of the general public and managing it as a commercial event in order to boost sales.
Rather cleverly the Committee used the pervading tendency to ridicule and deride Father's Day to their advantage by mocking the holiday on the very same advertisements they used to promote it. Banking, quite correctly as it turned out, that consumers would feel obliged to buy their father's gifts even though they saw through the commercial fa�ade, the custom of giving gifts on that day became progressively more accepted. By 1937 the Father's Day Council calculated that only one in six Father's had received a present on that day. However, by the 1980s, the Council proclaimed they had achieved their goal as the one-day celebration had now evolved into a three-week commercial event that was like a 'second Christmas'.
Thanks to Sonora, Father's Day today is a hugely popular celebration the world over as people thank their father and pay tribute to his ongoing love and support. Most commonly families still spend quality time together over dinner, at picnics or day trips and children gift their fathers with a wide range of presents. Neckties, grooming products and confectionery being amongst the most popular.
Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar http://www.moolollybar.com.au The best online chocolate, lolly and confectionery store on the web!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Commercial-Origins-of-Fathers-Day&id=4915112] The Commercial Origins of Father's Day
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
High Chair - Nightmare?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Felix_John_James]Felix John James
As a father of two children, I know how hard it can be to find a good restaurant that has high chairs readily available and baby changing facilities in the toilets. But, after I've scouted around for restaurants that fit my practical needs as a parent, should I then need to look through the microscope at what kind of conditions I'm putting my young baby and toddler onto?
Well I'm sure you've guessed from the title that answer is probably yes. I noticed this spring that my children were suffering more frequent and acute stomach upsets, and it coincided with short breaks we'd had, after a long winter of no down-time. It was after we returned home that it occurred to me that actually we never tend to eat out with the children, let alone for two or three meals of the day like we do on our summer break. Of course, for the most part, we fed them food we'd brought with us to the cafes and restaurants - the same as at home - but that didn't prevent the stomach upsets. I immediately concluded it must be the different water, before realising trips to see family in different parts of the country contradicted that theory. So looking for another explanation I thought I'd ask my friends for their opinion and do some internet research. It was while undertaking the latter, that I grew to realise just how unhygienic an environment the high-chairs I was putting my children in really were. If you believe the research I'd literally have been better off feeding my baby off toilet seats, and changing them on the floor. On average high chairs, for example, have 15x the amount of bacteria per sqm than the average toilet seat in the same establishment, with some statistics going much higher (100x and beyond). I found myself thinking, do these places not use the same sort of disinfectants as I do at home? You often see waitresses giving high-chairs a wipe over before you eat, so why are they so contaminated? The answer is beyond the scope of this article, but in short I realised standard disinfectants stop working after they've dried, which is about a minute, after this period bacteria can grow back again just as easily, and this is precipitated by 'missing a spot' when wiping up.
So rationally I would assume a good proportion of these pathogens and bacteria will be from food matter that - probably - are fairly harmless. I was wrong again, extremely potent and dangerous germs such as E-coli, Staph. Aureus and Enterococcus Faecalis and more, were present. The symptoms? 'Upset stomachs and serious illness', and being particularly dangerous to '...babies, young children and the elderly'. In the interests of balance (and not being alarmist) it's worth noting that serious illness and death as a result of infection from high-chairs is not mentioned in any published studies I've read, the levels of contamination appear to be enough for bad stomach upsets only, but this is still undesirable from my point of view.
All studies did stress however, that chairs can look spotless and actually be the most contaminated. It shows the ineffectiveness of current cleaning practices and attitudes, the notion that 'if it looks clean, it is clean' still prevails despite all the advancements we've made after proving what we call 'germ theory' in the early 19th century.
The answer appeared to be simple: stay at home when feeding my kids. I was wrong again! A study from 2007 showed that 60% of high chair trays in households were themselves home to the same types of dangerous bacteria as the restaurants'. Considering how tactile my kids are, indeed all young children share a proclivity to chew and put in their mouths everything they can see, it's very worrying indeed, knowing that hand to mouth interaction is the primary source of infection for all of us, with children having weaker immune systems compounding the issue.
Being a practical kind of guy, I figured out a strategy to combat this problem, we'd clean everything ourselves, even clean the babies hands if necessary with hand sanitisers and soaps. As I'm sure you've anticipated, this became another worrying issue. Finding products gentle and safe for babies' skin and environment is no mean feat, alcohol gels and wipes are out for obvious reasons and many others were simply not gentle enough or contained unbelievably toxic substances like 'triclosan' which are only used in cosmetics because it's a cheap method of disposal for industrial chemical manufactures waste (a story for another time I think).
It was on this journey to protect my own children that I grew more and more to thinking, wouldn't it be good if all parents made sure their children were happily hygienic, in the high chairs and the like, that if we all could clean surfaces down and use hand sanitisers, we'd spread cleanliness instead of germs. We'd need a product that was safe, hypo-allergenic and lasted - if possible - to keep on protecting.
It turns out there are disinfectant products out there that are food safe, that last on surfaces hours after applying, that last on skin too, where it would only take a few responsible parents to protect everyone's children day after day, meal after meal. Problem solved. [http://steri7.com/about-steri-7]Steri-7 Disinfectant cleaner is proven to last on surfaces for 7 days+. Its range includes trigger sprays and surface wipes; a [http://steri7.com/hand-sanitisers-and-soap]hand care range with proven 3 hours of protection is also available.
Felix James is a marketing author bringing new and innovative products - often previously the preserve of professional markets - to the general public.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?High-Chair---Nightmare?&id=6483568] High Chair - Nightmare?
As a father of two children, I know how hard it can be to find a good restaurant that has high chairs readily available and baby changing facilities in the toilets. But, after I've scouted around for restaurants that fit my practical needs as a parent, should I then need to look through the microscope at what kind of conditions I'm putting my young baby and toddler onto?
Well I'm sure you've guessed from the title that answer is probably yes. I noticed this spring that my children were suffering more frequent and acute stomach upsets, and it coincided with short breaks we'd had, after a long winter of no down-time. It was after we returned home that it occurred to me that actually we never tend to eat out with the children, let alone for two or three meals of the day like we do on our summer break. Of course, for the most part, we fed them food we'd brought with us to the cafes and restaurants - the same as at home - but that didn't prevent the stomach upsets. I immediately concluded it must be the different water, before realising trips to see family in different parts of the country contradicted that theory. So looking for another explanation I thought I'd ask my friends for their opinion and do some internet research. It was while undertaking the latter, that I grew to realise just how unhygienic an environment the high-chairs I was putting my children in really were. If you believe the research I'd literally have been better off feeding my baby off toilet seats, and changing them on the floor. On average high chairs, for example, have 15x the amount of bacteria per sqm than the average toilet seat in the same establishment, with some statistics going much higher (100x and beyond). I found myself thinking, do these places not use the same sort of disinfectants as I do at home? You often see waitresses giving high-chairs a wipe over before you eat, so why are they so contaminated? The answer is beyond the scope of this article, but in short I realised standard disinfectants stop working after they've dried, which is about a minute, after this period bacteria can grow back again just as easily, and this is precipitated by 'missing a spot' when wiping up.
So rationally I would assume a good proportion of these pathogens and bacteria will be from food matter that - probably - are fairly harmless. I was wrong again, extremely potent and dangerous germs such as E-coli, Staph. Aureus and Enterococcus Faecalis and more, were present. The symptoms? 'Upset stomachs and serious illness', and being particularly dangerous to '...babies, young children and the elderly'. In the interests of balance (and not being alarmist) it's worth noting that serious illness and death as a result of infection from high-chairs is not mentioned in any published studies I've read, the levels of contamination appear to be enough for bad stomach upsets only, but this is still undesirable from my point of view.
All studies did stress however, that chairs can look spotless and actually be the most contaminated. It shows the ineffectiveness of current cleaning practices and attitudes, the notion that 'if it looks clean, it is clean' still prevails despite all the advancements we've made after proving what we call 'germ theory' in the early 19th century.
The answer appeared to be simple: stay at home when feeding my kids. I was wrong again! A study from 2007 showed that 60% of high chair trays in households were themselves home to the same types of dangerous bacteria as the restaurants'. Considering how tactile my kids are, indeed all young children share a proclivity to chew and put in their mouths everything they can see, it's very worrying indeed, knowing that hand to mouth interaction is the primary source of infection for all of us, with children having weaker immune systems compounding the issue.
Being a practical kind of guy, I figured out a strategy to combat this problem, we'd clean everything ourselves, even clean the babies hands if necessary with hand sanitisers and soaps. As I'm sure you've anticipated, this became another worrying issue. Finding products gentle and safe for babies' skin and environment is no mean feat, alcohol gels and wipes are out for obvious reasons and many others were simply not gentle enough or contained unbelievably toxic substances like 'triclosan' which are only used in cosmetics because it's a cheap method of disposal for industrial chemical manufactures waste (a story for another time I think).
It was on this journey to protect my own children that I grew more and more to thinking, wouldn't it be good if all parents made sure their children were happily hygienic, in the high chairs and the like, that if we all could clean surfaces down and use hand sanitisers, we'd spread cleanliness instead of germs. We'd need a product that was safe, hypo-allergenic and lasted - if possible - to keep on protecting.
It turns out there are disinfectant products out there that are food safe, that last on surfaces hours after applying, that last on skin too, where it would only take a few responsible parents to protect everyone's children day after day, meal after meal. Problem solved. [http://steri7.com/about-steri-7]Steri-7 Disinfectant cleaner is proven to last on surfaces for 7 days+. Its range includes trigger sprays and surface wipes; a [http://steri7.com/hand-sanitisers-and-soap]hand care range with proven 3 hours of protection is also available.
Felix James is a marketing author bringing new and innovative products - often previously the preserve of professional markets - to the general public.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?High-Chair---Nightmare?&id=6483568] High Chair - Nightmare?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
When The Going Gets Tough The Dads Get Going
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Malik_Amit]Malik Amit
For a long time now, I have felt the need to write about dads and their contribution to the family unit in times of significant challenge. Hardship and challenges are part of life's lot and it is at such times that dads step up to be counted.
Hardship and challenges can come in different guises. Facing the loss of a loved one, going through financial struggle due to job loss and facing life threatening illness is just part of the tapestry of family life. Every struggle has a way of bringing out the best or the worst in the members of the family unit but dads have a unique place in the way the family as a whole faces up to the crisis.
Bear with me for a moment as I attempt to use the example of a captain of a boat. We know that a boat has just the one rudder and therefore can only have one individual steering it at a time. The individual who has control of the steering wheel is the one who decides on the direction the boat will go. It is possible in calm seas for different members of the boat to 'have a go' at the steering wheel but when the storms come, when the winds blow the captain of the boat has to be the steadying hand that guides the boat through the storm and to its destination.
So how does this apply to the family unit?
In times of crisis, the last thing that is needed is for dad to throw in the towel and say 'I cannot go on anymore'. Giving in to despair is a luxury that dads can ill afford. Dads at this point need to dig deep and find the reserves of strength to persevere; to be the calm in the midst of the storm; to be the rock the other members of the family could lean on.
This is by no means easy. Dads are human and need to be able to on the one hand, maintain that solid exterior of a rock and on the other, they need to find an outlet for their own emotion.
There are different ways that dads can do this. From a personal front, I have found that my faith in God has been a huge positive in enabling me to vent my emotions through prayer. Confiding with those members of the extended family who are more experienced is another means of release. Some times dads may not have the luxury of being able to turn to their own parents for support and that is why it is important to develop close relationships with other parents who are more experienced.
It is true that mom and dad need to talk to each other and find strength from one another but I have not included it as a means of venting one's emotion because that is the last thing that you would want to do. At a time when dad needs to be a support to mom and the kids, you would not want dad to use mom as a means of releasing pent-up emotion. This would no doubt have a negative effect.
Dad need to bear in mind that mom is probably just as frazzled if not more than dad. Mom would be looking to dad for support at this stage. It is up to dad to not be found wanting.
Author: Malik Amit
Website Address: http://thatsminedad.com
Here at thatsminedad.com, we have linked with some of the leading companies in the country to provide dads with a one-stop shop and resource of helps and self-helps that would help foster their relationship with their children. If you are looking to build your relationship with your children then please visit us.
You can also follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/thatsminedad
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-The-Going-Gets-Tough-The-Dads-Get-Going&id=6501713] When The Going Gets Tough The Dads Get Going
For a long time now, I have felt the need to write about dads and their contribution to the family unit in times of significant challenge. Hardship and challenges are part of life's lot and it is at such times that dads step up to be counted.
Hardship and challenges can come in different guises. Facing the loss of a loved one, going through financial struggle due to job loss and facing life threatening illness is just part of the tapestry of family life. Every struggle has a way of bringing out the best or the worst in the members of the family unit but dads have a unique place in the way the family as a whole faces up to the crisis.
Bear with me for a moment as I attempt to use the example of a captain of a boat. We know that a boat has just the one rudder and therefore can only have one individual steering it at a time. The individual who has control of the steering wheel is the one who decides on the direction the boat will go. It is possible in calm seas for different members of the boat to 'have a go' at the steering wheel but when the storms come, when the winds blow the captain of the boat has to be the steadying hand that guides the boat through the storm and to its destination.
So how does this apply to the family unit?
In times of crisis, the last thing that is needed is for dad to throw in the towel and say 'I cannot go on anymore'. Giving in to despair is a luxury that dads can ill afford. Dads at this point need to dig deep and find the reserves of strength to persevere; to be the calm in the midst of the storm; to be the rock the other members of the family could lean on.
This is by no means easy. Dads are human and need to be able to on the one hand, maintain that solid exterior of a rock and on the other, they need to find an outlet for their own emotion.
There are different ways that dads can do this. From a personal front, I have found that my faith in God has been a huge positive in enabling me to vent my emotions through prayer. Confiding with those members of the extended family who are more experienced is another means of release. Some times dads may not have the luxury of being able to turn to their own parents for support and that is why it is important to develop close relationships with other parents who are more experienced.
It is true that mom and dad need to talk to each other and find strength from one another but I have not included it as a means of venting one's emotion because that is the last thing that you would want to do. At a time when dad needs to be a support to mom and the kids, you would not want dad to use mom as a means of releasing pent-up emotion. This would no doubt have a negative effect.
Dad need to bear in mind that mom is probably just as frazzled if not more than dad. Mom would be looking to dad for support at this stage. It is up to dad to not be found wanting.
Author: Malik Amit
Website Address: http://thatsminedad.com
Here at thatsminedad.com, we have linked with some of the leading companies in the country to provide dads with a one-stop shop and resource of helps and self-helps that would help foster their relationship with their children. If you are looking to build your relationship with your children then please visit us.
You can also follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/thatsminedad
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-The-Going-Gets-Tough-The-Dads-Get-Going&id=6501713] When The Going Gets Tough The Dads Get Going
Friday, November 18, 2011
Holistic Parenting: A Dad's Guide
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=William_R_Bradley]William R Bradley
It doesn't take a genius to see that the family unit is undervalued in society. Moms have been ahead of dads in saying how their importance is minimized in the world's view. But now more then ever, so is the role of the father figure, who in some countries is rarely at home and always at work. In Japan, it is common to have fathers only spend time with their family on Sundays, since the rough commute and work schedule forces many to come home at late hours. This overworked figure many have adopted as their life has caused an increase in alcoholism and heart attack; work comes before family, in the world's view.
The US and UK may not have the same rigorous work schedule as say South Korea and Japan, but us dads still have the pressure of adopting the 9 to 5 routine, all the while struggling to find employment and time to somehow be a father. This structure is flawed at its core. How many people actually have a job they love and that revolves around them? Adding to this dilemma is the popular American fast food diet, which is cheap and eliminates the enjoyment of food that exists in say Italy. People are no longer eating food: we are eating faux food that is causing cancer to be on the rise, as well as heart disease.
The family pays for society's addiction to consumerism and a fast, misdirected lifestyle. Children are developing diabetes at a young age, and families are fragmented. Religions and spiritual philosophies are declining in many respects, and even though they may be severely flawed, most of these philosophies have had a deep respect and admiration for the family unit. In rel=nofollow [http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Faith-Filled-Kids-Opportunities-Spirituality/dp/0829414258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314540560&sr=8-1] Raising Faith Filled Families, author Tom McGrath writes "Our world looks with suspicion at faith in God yet blindly accepts advertising claims that a new kind of toilet bowl cleaner will make life more exciting and fulfilling."
Coach Matthew Kelly points out the war between society and the family in his book Building Better Families. But what can we do about it? The key to to begin thinking outside of the box, questioning everything we are told to eat, have, or do and to put our focus back onto our families. The increase in working from home and homeschooling shows families are indeed questioning the status quo and looking to alternative forms of living in order to live healthier, happier lives.
As a work from home dad with asthma, I chose to leave the 9 to 5 behind in order to heal myself and find happiness. Initially I was met with difficulties on all ends, as working from home is a real challenge, especially finding out what's right for you. Because of my illness and how little Western medicine knows about it, I began searching for cures from Eastern medicine and nutrition, and thankfully found out why I had asthma in the first place. This took out the guess work and fear of an attack.
Every family is different, and this goes without saying. But the key to holistic parenting and being a dad focused on health and happiness is to stop listening to what mainstream media says and not let our peers and neighbors deem what is write for our lives. It may be more challenging to say work from home, or do what Talon from rel=nofollow [http://www.1dad1kid.com/]1 Kid 1 Dad does ( travel the world with his son) but it is certainly worth doing. Finding what our dreams are and then following them is absolutely the first step to holistic living. It makes our children proud of us.
William Bradley, [http://www.holisticdad.net]Holistic Dad
William Bradley: father, husband, actor, and holistic life coach
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Holistic-Parenting:-A-Dads-Guide&id=6524945] Holistic Parenting: A Dad's Guide
It doesn't take a genius to see that the family unit is undervalued in society. Moms have been ahead of dads in saying how their importance is minimized in the world's view. But now more then ever, so is the role of the father figure, who in some countries is rarely at home and always at work. In Japan, it is common to have fathers only spend time with their family on Sundays, since the rough commute and work schedule forces many to come home at late hours. This overworked figure many have adopted as their life has caused an increase in alcoholism and heart attack; work comes before family, in the world's view.
The US and UK may not have the same rigorous work schedule as say South Korea and Japan, but us dads still have the pressure of adopting the 9 to 5 routine, all the while struggling to find employment and time to somehow be a father. This structure is flawed at its core. How many people actually have a job they love and that revolves around them? Adding to this dilemma is the popular American fast food diet, which is cheap and eliminates the enjoyment of food that exists in say Italy. People are no longer eating food: we are eating faux food that is causing cancer to be on the rise, as well as heart disease.
The family pays for society's addiction to consumerism and a fast, misdirected lifestyle. Children are developing diabetes at a young age, and families are fragmented. Religions and spiritual philosophies are declining in many respects, and even though they may be severely flawed, most of these philosophies have had a deep respect and admiration for the family unit. In rel=nofollow [http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Faith-Filled-Kids-Opportunities-Spirituality/dp/0829414258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314540560&sr=8-1] Raising Faith Filled Families, author Tom McGrath writes "Our world looks with suspicion at faith in God yet blindly accepts advertising claims that a new kind of toilet bowl cleaner will make life more exciting and fulfilling."
Coach Matthew Kelly points out the war between society and the family in his book Building Better Families. But what can we do about it? The key to to begin thinking outside of the box, questioning everything we are told to eat, have, or do and to put our focus back onto our families. The increase in working from home and homeschooling shows families are indeed questioning the status quo and looking to alternative forms of living in order to live healthier, happier lives.
As a work from home dad with asthma, I chose to leave the 9 to 5 behind in order to heal myself and find happiness. Initially I was met with difficulties on all ends, as working from home is a real challenge, especially finding out what's right for you. Because of my illness and how little Western medicine knows about it, I began searching for cures from Eastern medicine and nutrition, and thankfully found out why I had asthma in the first place. This took out the guess work and fear of an attack.
Every family is different, and this goes without saying. But the key to holistic parenting and being a dad focused on health and happiness is to stop listening to what mainstream media says and not let our peers and neighbors deem what is write for our lives. It may be more challenging to say work from home, or do what Talon from rel=nofollow [http://www.1dad1kid.com/]1 Kid 1 Dad does ( travel the world with his son) but it is certainly worth doing. Finding what our dreams are and then following them is absolutely the first step to holistic living. It makes our children proud of us.
William Bradley, [http://www.holisticdad.net]Holistic Dad
William Bradley: father, husband, actor, and holistic life coach
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Holistic-Parenting:-A-Dads-Guide&id=6524945] Holistic Parenting: A Dad's Guide
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Becoming a Godly Father
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Butch_Heath]Butch Heath
I realize many men have made contributions to create such responses. There have been men who have left their wife and children to make it on their own. They have physically, emotionally, sexually, and financially abused their wives.
There have been women who have not been very angelic as well. But that is no reason for our society to put down and try to destroy what God has created. Men are necessary for our world and families today.
We dads have an extremely important role to play in the life of our children. Being a dad takes a major commitment. We must see ourselves spending time with our children not only because it is important but also because our role as a father before our children is critical to their wellbeing.
We men work hard at times improving our skills in a variety of areas in our life. We want to be better at our work, better in our investments, better at setting corporate performance, and even better at our hobbies. But when was the last time we bought a book or attended a class to help us improve our skills in fathering?
Please understand I do understand that too many of us are products of parents who believed children were the responsibility of mothers. But Dads, we must be connected to the daily operation of our families and to be able to clearly see the needs of our children. We cannot remain on the sidelines and expect mothers alone to raise our children.
Dads, we are extremely important to the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our homes. Mothers are extremely important as well. But when you have a loving, engaged, and spiritually committed father then you have the ingredients to have a godly home.
When you look back into the Old Testament you find an example of a father who was not Godly. It is good to learn from the mistakes of others as is the case of this Biblical example.
READ:
Genesis 13:1-13.
Genesis 19:26 "But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."
Luke 17:32 "Remember Lot's wife."
When we look at Lot we automatically look at Lot's wife. Most sermons you have probably heard were about Lot's wife. But I want to start with Lot because I truly believe that the father, the husband, is the head of the home and what happens falls back on his leadership or lack of. I am sure you have heard the statement that everything rises and falls with leadership.
Since he is the leader/head of the home there are certain responsibilities that belong to him and he must be willing to fulfill them. When we go back to Lot, we see that he was lacking in the fundamentals that he needed as a father.
How did Lot get to where he was? What caused him to even consider going into Sodom? Let me add right here that our spiritual failure and downfall usually does not occur instantly. It is rather a process.
When Lot was in the negotiating stage with Abraham concerning which land to take there were several important considerations he failed to make.
He failed to look at the big picture of the consequences such a move would have.
He failed to consider the eternal over the immediate.
He failed to consider the importance of the spiritual over the material.
What attracted Lot to that area was: well watered plains and a popular modern city, great financial opportunities, opportunities for prestigious and influential positions, and politics.
Are these wrong in and of themselves? Of course not, however the determining factor is where you put your focus and place your priorities.
What caused his focus in life to go out of focus? What causes our fathers today to lose their proper focus?
I believe that Lot lacked five very important fundamental principles that affected his decisions. To be a godly father in our day we must have these five principles at work in our life and our homes.
So this article is a clarion call to all fathers, and young men who plan to be fathers, to open your heart to God today for His searchlight.
The first principle for us Dads is:
II. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PRAYER
This is where you start, and this is where you end. Prayer is not optional. Prayer is an absolute necessity! We must make prayer our first priority before anything else. Prayer helps you become a spiritual man who then has the wisdom to do right.
Larry Crabb has said, "The key to becoming a more effective parent is to become an increasingly godly person."
We need to continue to pray with the Psalmist in 139:23-24 "23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Be quick to admit your mistakes and shortcomings. There are many things that a father should pray for:
A. Fathers must pray for individual direction.
God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Please, do not try to convince me that God will lead you to a place where the evil influence of Satan can destroy your children. I do not believe it.
B. Husbands must pray for their wife daily.
We must pray that she will be a godly wife and mother to model before our children. We must pray that she, the godly wife, will not follow the call of this present society of self promotion and pride, or immodesty.
C. We must pray for our children and for their companions or companions to be.
D. We must pray for our influence upon society. Remember people are watching you.
E. We must pray for our families, neighbors, government leaders, church leaders, missionaries, the lost, etc.
II. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PURPOSE
What is your purpose in life?
What are some of your major goals in life?
What is it that makes you tick?
What motivates your life to action?
What are your plans for tomorrow?
What do you think about the most?
What do you plan to accomplish in life?
A. When you are man of godly purpose you would rather serve God rather than self.
B. A man of purpose will keep focused upon God's call for his life.
C. A man of purpose will remember which things are temporal and which things are eternal.
There is nothing wrong in meeting the material needs of your family. He that does not meet the needs of his family is worse than an infidel. But the material things are a part of the temporal.
Our ultimate purpose for life is to make sure the spiritual needs have been met in our family, our wife and children.
However, it is hard to have the right purpose if we are not given to prayer.
III. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PRINCIPLES
We are to live by God's PRINCIPLES, HIS WORD, and THE BIBLE.
A man of principles will live by certain guide-lines not by how he always feels or by how the world feels. Being a man of principles dictates how we live in the real work a day world.
In the 1990's the "Leaning Tower of Pisa" was finally reopened to the public, after having been closed for several years. During that time, engineers completed a 25 million dollar renovation project designed to stabilize the tower. They removed 110 tons of dirt, and reduced its famous lean by about sixteen inches.
Why was this necessary? Because the tower had been tilting further and further away from vertical for hundreds of years, to the point that the top of the 185-foot tower was seventeen feet further south than the bottom, and Italian authorities were concerned that if nothing was done, it would soon collapse.
What was the problem? Was it bad design, poor workmanship or an inferior grade of marble? No.
The problem was what was underneath. The tower was built on the shifting sands of a former estuary. The soil was not stable enough to support a monument of this size. The tower had no firm foundation.
What rules do you follow for life? A man who lives by godly principles will do the right thing when confronted, even if no one is looking.
When you are committed to living by principles then you want to do the right thing.
IV. YOU MUST BE A MAN COMMITTED TO PARENTING
It has been a sad day since some thought it was up to the mother to teach and train the children. I know the father goes out and works and brings home the bacon, but parenting is a joint effort with man placed as head of the home by God.
Lot forgot parenting when he did not teach his children how to serve and worship God.
Lot forgot parenting when he did not teach his daughters to choose a godly companion.
Have you taught your children to choose?
Dr. S.D. Herron once said, "We must teach our children how to live not to just make a living."
Too often as dads we: Invest our sons with marketplace competence, but not with moral conviction. We help our sons to become socially successful, but not spiritually significant. We give our sons good things but not the best things. (Robert Lewis in Raising a Modern-Day Knight)
Howard Hendricks said, "My greatest fear for you is not that you will fail but that you will succeed in doing the wrong thing."
We must teach our children how to work.
We must teach our children how to dress modestly.
We must teach our children how to go to church.
We must teach our children how to help others.
We must teach our children how to serve others.
We must teach our children how to stand alone for right.
Sometime we fathers feel like a failure but don't give up. The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember:
Noah was a drunk; Abraham was too old;
Isaac was a daydreamer; Jacob was a liar;
Leah was ugly; Joseph was abused;
Moses had a stuttering problem;
Gideon was afraid;
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer;
Rahab was a prostitute;
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young;
David had an affair and was a murderer;
Elijah was suicidal; Isaiah preached naked;
Jonah ran from God; Naomi was a widow;
Job went bankrupt; John the Baptist ate bugs;
Peter denied Christ;
The Disciples fell asleep while praying;
Martha worried about everything;
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once;
Zaccheus was too small;
Paul was too religious and a persecutor of Christians;
Timothy had an ulcer... and Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses. God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. Seize the moment, correct the course while you can, determine to be the man of God He has called you to be.
THE INVESTMENTS MADE FOR YOUR FAMILY SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE PROVIDE DIVIDENDS THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.
V. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PRACTICE
Practice what you preach; your family is following you. Somehow we have the idea that if we do something that may not be quite right, our children will not follow us but will do it right.
The things you want your children to do YOU MUST PRACTICE THEM YOURSELF.
If you want them to be honest then you must be honest.
If you want them to love God, they must know you love God.
If you want them to go to church, Sunday school, revival meetings, midweek prayer meetings? Then you better go.
What Lot practiced had a dramatic eternal impact on his wife and children.
BE A MAN OF PRACTICE!!
In the NY Times there was an article on affluent families on Long Island whose sons got in trouble with the law.
They were involved in drunkenness, crashing parties, stealing, etc. They interviewed the sons of these parents and almost all of the sons said their parents told them what was right. They knew right from wrong. But in almost everyone interviewed they said they watched their fathers cut corners, cheat on income tax, talk about their shady deals and the fact that they got away with it.
The columnist in the NY Times who was probably not very religious concluded; that after interviewing those sons, "What their father said was not nearly as important as what their father did."
Too often people will do right when they feel good. But I am here to tell you do right and then you will feel good.
CONCLUSION:
ARE YOU COMMITTED TO BEING A GODLY FATHER?
As we make this commitment we must allow God to shape our lives into the godly model He wants our children to follow.
In order for us to do this we must remember two things that God manifests toward us.
1. Unconditional love
2. Uncompromising commitment to help our children grow to full spiritual maturity.
Remember this verse of Scripture from Psalm 127:1,"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." It takes godly fathers, committed to God, dependent upon God, and partners with God to build a godly home. rel=nofollow http://www.crisisfamilycare.com
Bernard (Butch) Heath has served as Minister of Family Life at Hobe Sound Bible Church in Hobe Sound, Florida, for 13 years. His education includes a B.A. in Biblical Education from Hobe Sound Bible College, a M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Bob Jones University, and he is nearing completion of his Ph.D. from Trinity Theological Seminary.
He has pastored for many years and has a heart to help families, and many years of pastoral counseling experience. He has held marriage seminars and conferences in many states and other countries including Russia, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Honduras and Haiti.
He is the owner of Crisis Family Care, Inc. which is a non-profit business dedicated to helping families in need. Crisis Family Care, Inc. offers Free Marriage Counseling, Free Marriage Enrichment Seminars, Marriage Seminars for Download and many other resources for your marriage in crisis or marriage that needs help.
Bernard Heath
SE Bridge Rd.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
(772) 263-2457 http://www.CrisisFamilyCare.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Becoming-a-Godly-Father&id=6532159] Becoming a Godly Father
I realize many men have made contributions to create such responses. There have been men who have left their wife and children to make it on their own. They have physically, emotionally, sexually, and financially abused their wives.
There have been women who have not been very angelic as well. But that is no reason for our society to put down and try to destroy what God has created. Men are necessary for our world and families today.
We dads have an extremely important role to play in the life of our children. Being a dad takes a major commitment. We must see ourselves spending time with our children not only because it is important but also because our role as a father before our children is critical to their wellbeing.
We men work hard at times improving our skills in a variety of areas in our life. We want to be better at our work, better in our investments, better at setting corporate performance, and even better at our hobbies. But when was the last time we bought a book or attended a class to help us improve our skills in fathering?
Please understand I do understand that too many of us are products of parents who believed children were the responsibility of mothers. But Dads, we must be connected to the daily operation of our families and to be able to clearly see the needs of our children. We cannot remain on the sidelines and expect mothers alone to raise our children.
Dads, we are extremely important to the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our homes. Mothers are extremely important as well. But when you have a loving, engaged, and spiritually committed father then you have the ingredients to have a godly home.
When you look back into the Old Testament you find an example of a father who was not Godly. It is good to learn from the mistakes of others as is the case of this Biblical example.
READ:
Genesis 13:1-13.
Genesis 19:26 "But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."
Luke 17:32 "Remember Lot's wife."
When we look at Lot we automatically look at Lot's wife. Most sermons you have probably heard were about Lot's wife. But I want to start with Lot because I truly believe that the father, the husband, is the head of the home and what happens falls back on his leadership or lack of. I am sure you have heard the statement that everything rises and falls with leadership.
Since he is the leader/head of the home there are certain responsibilities that belong to him and he must be willing to fulfill them. When we go back to Lot, we see that he was lacking in the fundamentals that he needed as a father.
How did Lot get to where he was? What caused him to even consider going into Sodom? Let me add right here that our spiritual failure and downfall usually does not occur instantly. It is rather a process.
When Lot was in the negotiating stage with Abraham concerning which land to take there were several important considerations he failed to make.
He failed to look at the big picture of the consequences such a move would have.
He failed to consider the eternal over the immediate.
He failed to consider the importance of the spiritual over the material.
What attracted Lot to that area was: well watered plains and a popular modern city, great financial opportunities, opportunities for prestigious and influential positions, and politics.
Are these wrong in and of themselves? Of course not, however the determining factor is where you put your focus and place your priorities.
What caused his focus in life to go out of focus? What causes our fathers today to lose their proper focus?
I believe that Lot lacked five very important fundamental principles that affected his decisions. To be a godly father in our day we must have these five principles at work in our life and our homes.
So this article is a clarion call to all fathers, and young men who plan to be fathers, to open your heart to God today for His searchlight.
The first principle for us Dads is:
II. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PRAYER
This is where you start, and this is where you end. Prayer is not optional. Prayer is an absolute necessity! We must make prayer our first priority before anything else. Prayer helps you become a spiritual man who then has the wisdom to do right.
Larry Crabb has said, "The key to becoming a more effective parent is to become an increasingly godly person."
We need to continue to pray with the Psalmist in 139:23-24 "23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Be quick to admit your mistakes and shortcomings. There are many things that a father should pray for:
A. Fathers must pray for individual direction.
God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Please, do not try to convince me that God will lead you to a place where the evil influence of Satan can destroy your children. I do not believe it.
B. Husbands must pray for their wife daily.
We must pray that she will be a godly wife and mother to model before our children. We must pray that she, the godly wife, will not follow the call of this present society of self promotion and pride, or immodesty.
C. We must pray for our children and for their companions or companions to be.
D. We must pray for our influence upon society. Remember people are watching you.
E. We must pray for our families, neighbors, government leaders, church leaders, missionaries, the lost, etc.
II. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PURPOSE
What is your purpose in life?
What are some of your major goals in life?
What is it that makes you tick?
What motivates your life to action?
What are your plans for tomorrow?
What do you think about the most?
What do you plan to accomplish in life?
A. When you are man of godly purpose you would rather serve God rather than self.
B. A man of purpose will keep focused upon God's call for his life.
C. A man of purpose will remember which things are temporal and which things are eternal.
There is nothing wrong in meeting the material needs of your family. He that does not meet the needs of his family is worse than an infidel. But the material things are a part of the temporal.
Our ultimate purpose for life is to make sure the spiritual needs have been met in our family, our wife and children.
However, it is hard to have the right purpose if we are not given to prayer.
III. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PRINCIPLES
We are to live by God's PRINCIPLES, HIS WORD, and THE BIBLE.
A man of principles will live by certain guide-lines not by how he always feels or by how the world feels. Being a man of principles dictates how we live in the real work a day world.
In the 1990's the "Leaning Tower of Pisa" was finally reopened to the public, after having been closed for several years. During that time, engineers completed a 25 million dollar renovation project designed to stabilize the tower. They removed 110 tons of dirt, and reduced its famous lean by about sixteen inches.
Why was this necessary? Because the tower had been tilting further and further away from vertical for hundreds of years, to the point that the top of the 185-foot tower was seventeen feet further south than the bottom, and Italian authorities were concerned that if nothing was done, it would soon collapse.
What was the problem? Was it bad design, poor workmanship or an inferior grade of marble? No.
The problem was what was underneath. The tower was built on the shifting sands of a former estuary. The soil was not stable enough to support a monument of this size. The tower had no firm foundation.
What rules do you follow for life? A man who lives by godly principles will do the right thing when confronted, even if no one is looking.
When you are committed to living by principles then you want to do the right thing.
IV. YOU MUST BE A MAN COMMITTED TO PARENTING
It has been a sad day since some thought it was up to the mother to teach and train the children. I know the father goes out and works and brings home the bacon, but parenting is a joint effort with man placed as head of the home by God.
Lot forgot parenting when he did not teach his children how to serve and worship God.
Lot forgot parenting when he did not teach his daughters to choose a godly companion.
Have you taught your children to choose?
Dr. S.D. Herron once said, "We must teach our children how to live not to just make a living."
Too often as dads we: Invest our sons with marketplace competence, but not with moral conviction. We help our sons to become socially successful, but not spiritually significant. We give our sons good things but not the best things. (Robert Lewis in Raising a Modern-Day Knight)
Howard Hendricks said, "My greatest fear for you is not that you will fail but that you will succeed in doing the wrong thing."
We must teach our children how to work.
We must teach our children how to dress modestly.
We must teach our children how to go to church.
We must teach our children how to help others.
We must teach our children how to serve others.
We must teach our children how to stand alone for right.
Sometime we fathers feel like a failure but don't give up. The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember:
Noah was a drunk; Abraham was too old;
Isaac was a daydreamer; Jacob was a liar;
Leah was ugly; Joseph was abused;
Moses had a stuttering problem;
Gideon was afraid;
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer;
Rahab was a prostitute;
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young;
David had an affair and was a murderer;
Elijah was suicidal; Isaiah preached naked;
Jonah ran from God; Naomi was a widow;
Job went bankrupt; John the Baptist ate bugs;
Peter denied Christ;
The Disciples fell asleep while praying;
Martha worried about everything;
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once;
Zaccheus was too small;
Paul was too religious and a persecutor of Christians;
Timothy had an ulcer... and Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses. God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. Seize the moment, correct the course while you can, determine to be the man of God He has called you to be.
THE INVESTMENTS MADE FOR YOUR FAMILY SPIRITUALLY IN THIS LIFE PROVIDE DIVIDENDS THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.
V. YOU MUST BE A MAN OF PRACTICE
Practice what you preach; your family is following you. Somehow we have the idea that if we do something that may not be quite right, our children will not follow us but will do it right.
The things you want your children to do YOU MUST PRACTICE THEM YOURSELF.
If you want them to be honest then you must be honest.
If you want them to love God, they must know you love God.
If you want them to go to church, Sunday school, revival meetings, midweek prayer meetings? Then you better go.
What Lot practiced had a dramatic eternal impact on his wife and children.
BE A MAN OF PRACTICE!!
In the NY Times there was an article on affluent families on Long Island whose sons got in trouble with the law.
They were involved in drunkenness, crashing parties, stealing, etc. They interviewed the sons of these parents and almost all of the sons said their parents told them what was right. They knew right from wrong. But in almost everyone interviewed they said they watched their fathers cut corners, cheat on income tax, talk about their shady deals and the fact that they got away with it.
The columnist in the NY Times who was probably not very religious concluded; that after interviewing those sons, "What their father said was not nearly as important as what their father did."
Too often people will do right when they feel good. But I am here to tell you do right and then you will feel good.
CONCLUSION:
ARE YOU COMMITTED TO BEING A GODLY FATHER?
As we make this commitment we must allow God to shape our lives into the godly model He wants our children to follow.
In order for us to do this we must remember two things that God manifests toward us.
1. Unconditional love
2. Uncompromising commitment to help our children grow to full spiritual maturity.
Remember this verse of Scripture from Psalm 127:1,"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." It takes godly fathers, committed to God, dependent upon God, and partners with God to build a godly home. rel=nofollow http://www.crisisfamilycare.com
Bernard (Butch) Heath has served as Minister of Family Life at Hobe Sound Bible Church in Hobe Sound, Florida, for 13 years. His education includes a B.A. in Biblical Education from Hobe Sound Bible College, a M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Bob Jones University, and he is nearing completion of his Ph.D. from Trinity Theological Seminary.
He has pastored for many years and has a heart to help families, and many years of pastoral counseling experience. He has held marriage seminars and conferences in many states and other countries including Russia, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Honduras and Haiti.
He is the owner of Crisis Family Care, Inc. which is a non-profit business dedicated to helping families in need. Crisis Family Care, Inc. offers Free Marriage Counseling, Free Marriage Enrichment Seminars, Marriage Seminars for Download and many other resources for your marriage in crisis or marriage that needs help.
Bernard Heath
SE Bridge Rd.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
(772) 263-2457 http://www.CrisisFamilyCare.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Becoming-a-Godly-Father&id=6532159] Becoming a Godly Father
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Father's Love
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Roger_H_Caballero]Roger H Caballero
Almost twenty-one years ago I became a man, yes, a man. There is a saying only a real man can make a woman! If that is true then I certainly became the proud father of my princess Jamilah. She brought a joy in my life that I could not ever imagine. My focus changed, it was all about my baby now, nothing to do with me.
It's funny how new life brings a freshness among family, an understandable love and the hope of prosperity to follow. It's funny how the sound of a new baby makes all right as family come in numbers far and wide to share in the happiness. As family celebrate new life I cannot help but go back nine months ago when the news of a pregnancy brought with it so much negativity. As more family and close friends arrived I went deeper in reflection and even became somewhat angry since the very ones who were the most negative were hugging my Jamilah the most! I could remember remarks about us being too young to be parents, we were irresponsible about not using protection, just to name a few. In a way, that made me ever so determined to prove the doubters wrong, and be the best father ever, not just financially, but a real father, and I did.
How fathers abandon their responsibility I will forever condemn them. To walk away from a child is beyond question the mark of a selfish person who deserves to be locked away. It was not easy. I grew up by force. I grasped my responsibility with both hands and never looked back. I was determined to learn all that I could have about babies, as I had to. I read books and lived on the internet to understand and deliver my role as a good parent and father. As a last child of three boys I had absolutely no experience with babies. We all go through considerable amounts of training in our jobs for development in our careers, the same should apply for our babies, who keep developing so quickly before our own eyes!We as parents fail to realise how important the early years of a child is, how much can be won or lost during those crucial years where most if not all of his/her personality is already developed. We take these years for granted way too much.
The time we have with our children is short so we as parents should indeed make the most of it. Once gone we cannot press rewind and start over!It all starts with that first cry from that adorable baby we all love. Time waits for no man and before long they will be grown and will be less dependent on us. It is that initial training and effort we put in as good parents that guides them in to becoming responsible adults in such trying times.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Fathers-Love&id=6540724] A Father's Love
Almost twenty-one years ago I became a man, yes, a man. There is a saying only a real man can make a woman! If that is true then I certainly became the proud father of my princess Jamilah. She brought a joy in my life that I could not ever imagine. My focus changed, it was all about my baby now, nothing to do with me.
It's funny how new life brings a freshness among family, an understandable love and the hope of prosperity to follow. It's funny how the sound of a new baby makes all right as family come in numbers far and wide to share in the happiness. As family celebrate new life I cannot help but go back nine months ago when the news of a pregnancy brought with it so much negativity. As more family and close friends arrived I went deeper in reflection and even became somewhat angry since the very ones who were the most negative were hugging my Jamilah the most! I could remember remarks about us being too young to be parents, we were irresponsible about not using protection, just to name a few. In a way, that made me ever so determined to prove the doubters wrong, and be the best father ever, not just financially, but a real father, and I did.
How fathers abandon their responsibility I will forever condemn them. To walk away from a child is beyond question the mark of a selfish person who deserves to be locked away. It was not easy. I grew up by force. I grasped my responsibility with both hands and never looked back. I was determined to learn all that I could have about babies, as I had to. I read books and lived on the internet to understand and deliver my role as a good parent and father. As a last child of three boys I had absolutely no experience with babies. We all go through considerable amounts of training in our jobs for development in our careers, the same should apply for our babies, who keep developing so quickly before our own eyes!We as parents fail to realise how important the early years of a child is, how much can be won or lost during those crucial years where most if not all of his/her personality is already developed. We take these years for granted way too much.
The time we have with our children is short so we as parents should indeed make the most of it. Once gone we cannot press rewind and start over!It all starts with that first cry from that adorable baby we all love. Time waits for no man and before long they will be grown and will be less dependent on us. It is that initial training and effort we put in as good parents that guides them in to becoming responsible adults in such trying times.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Fathers-Love&id=6540724] A Father's Love
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Getting Into a Daily Routine For Stay at Home Dads
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Charles_T_Geisler]Charles T Geisler
Staying at home and holding down the fort is a new scene for most men. Many of us are used to full time employment and minimal household responsibilities (boy, is that changing). In fact, a whole group of men are staying at home for one reason or another. For some it may be temporary or others it may make sense to stay at home. Either way, staying at home has a list of its responsibilities and the easiest way to get 'em done is by an easy routine. Since this is new ground for some, I figured I would give three great ideas to the newbies for stay-at-home success.
1. Make your schedule the night before (just like at work).
Making your schedule the night before ensures that you have a decided schedule for the next day and places you in a position to win. Tiger Woods never focuses on winning, but rather putting himself in the "position to win". Without a schedule, you are running the risk of slipping into late mornings, unproductive days, and late nights staring into the tube by yourself. You do have responsibilities even though your at home and boy do they add up. So do yourself a favor: MAKE A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT!!! That was easy.
2. Do whatever you hate to do the most, first.
It could be dishes, laundry, ironing, or cleaning toilets. Get it over with first. This will work in every aspect of life. It makes the rest of your day a cinch. Just get it done.
3. Give yourself a break.
Don't take this one too far, but you do need to schedule a time to slow down for a minute and take a break. Even full-time employment grants breaks and lunches. It's okay to take a break! I recommend getting out of the house for a run or a walk. One of the greatest opportunities about staying home is that you can get back into shape with all the extra time you have. Getting outside gives you much needed Vitamin D and improves your outlook.
Commit today to take these three easy steps and see your stay-at-home position improve. Make the most of the time you have at home. For many of you, it will only be awhile before your back at work again or on to different experiences. Finish those projects you have been thinking about and never had the time to work on. Its your day, Make it count!
Charles T. Geisler
Author
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Into-a-Daily-Routine-For-Stay-at-Home-Dads&id=6546336] Getting Into a Daily Routine For Stay at Home Dads
Staying at home and holding down the fort is a new scene for most men. Many of us are used to full time employment and minimal household responsibilities (boy, is that changing). In fact, a whole group of men are staying at home for one reason or another. For some it may be temporary or others it may make sense to stay at home. Either way, staying at home has a list of its responsibilities and the easiest way to get 'em done is by an easy routine. Since this is new ground for some, I figured I would give three great ideas to the newbies for stay-at-home success.
1. Make your schedule the night before (just like at work).
Making your schedule the night before ensures that you have a decided schedule for the next day and places you in a position to win. Tiger Woods never focuses on winning, but rather putting himself in the "position to win". Without a schedule, you are running the risk of slipping into late mornings, unproductive days, and late nights staring into the tube by yourself. You do have responsibilities even though your at home and boy do they add up. So do yourself a favor: MAKE A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT!!! That was easy.
2. Do whatever you hate to do the most, first.
It could be dishes, laundry, ironing, or cleaning toilets. Get it over with first. This will work in every aspect of life. It makes the rest of your day a cinch. Just get it done.
3. Give yourself a break.
Don't take this one too far, but you do need to schedule a time to slow down for a minute and take a break. Even full-time employment grants breaks and lunches. It's okay to take a break! I recommend getting out of the house for a run or a walk. One of the greatest opportunities about staying home is that you can get back into shape with all the extra time you have. Getting outside gives you much needed Vitamin D and improves your outlook.
Commit today to take these three easy steps and see your stay-at-home position improve. Make the most of the time you have at home. For many of you, it will only be awhile before your back at work again or on to different experiences. Finish those projects you have been thinking about and never had the time to work on. Its your day, Make it count!
Charles T. Geisler
Author
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Into-a-Daily-Routine-For-Stay-at-Home-Dads&id=6546336] Getting Into a Daily Routine For Stay at Home Dads
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Can Quotes on Fatherhood Actually Make You a Better Father?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abe_Monhegan]Abe Monhegan
Fatherhood can be something that is frequently discovered from example. A guy typically learns almost all of his methods through his dad. Every now and then a man may also have a genuine means and a specific knack for it. Then there's yet another kind of gentleman who might want to have a look at fatherhood from a philosophical and academic aspect. This sort of person doesn't necessarily learn by instance or just natural competencies. He discovers by examining the subject and creating his range of routines, requirements, and attitudes off of the supplies he reads. Not a single thing wrong with this method. It's only an alternate means of creating a paternal competency.
Quotes on fatherhood can help you a studious individual of this nature in becoming a significantly better dad. Fatherhood quotes are incredibly practical because they come from many of the smartest folks who have had the wonderful experience of parenting a youngster. For instance, there are various simple quotes on fatherhood made by comedian Bill Cosby several years ago. One of those fatherhood quotes was basically that "Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." That quick sentence can teach a new father lots. What is intended by this quote is that a father's obligation is to be sure his children fully feel enjoyed by any means needed. In the event that means for him to imagine that that the soap-on-a-rope that his child gave him for Xmas or his bday is the foremost gift in the earth, then that is what a father may need to do.
Learning to be a father is a experimentation course of action. One can not possibly discover most of precisely what is crucial concerning child-rearing from a publication of quotes about fatherhood. However, quotes about fatherhood may be very strong guides in a man's journey to find his style of raising a child. And at the end of the day, that style and the sincerity of the Father's desire are what matter most. Everything else is secondary. A father that can find his inspiration and motivation for being a better father will certainly excel over time. Nothing will be immediate and there are no silver bullets, but getting the wisdom of those philosophers and wise men / women is a good move. Why not take advantage of all of the resources at our disposal if we have the chance to do so?
If you want to read more about [http://www.quotesonfatherhood.com]quotes on fatherhood, please visit [http://www.quotesonfatherhood.com]http://www.quotesonfatherhood.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Quotes-on-Fatherhood-Actually-Make-You-a-Better-Father?&id=6587626] Can Quotes on Fatherhood Actually Make You a Better Father?
Fatherhood can be something that is frequently discovered from example. A guy typically learns almost all of his methods through his dad. Every now and then a man may also have a genuine means and a specific knack for it. Then there's yet another kind of gentleman who might want to have a look at fatherhood from a philosophical and academic aspect. This sort of person doesn't necessarily learn by instance or just natural competencies. He discovers by examining the subject and creating his range of routines, requirements, and attitudes off of the supplies he reads. Not a single thing wrong with this method. It's only an alternate means of creating a paternal competency.
Quotes on fatherhood can help you a studious individual of this nature in becoming a significantly better dad. Fatherhood quotes are incredibly practical because they come from many of the smartest folks who have had the wonderful experience of parenting a youngster. For instance, there are various simple quotes on fatherhood made by comedian Bill Cosby several years ago. One of those fatherhood quotes was basically that "Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." That quick sentence can teach a new father lots. What is intended by this quote is that a father's obligation is to be sure his children fully feel enjoyed by any means needed. In the event that means for him to imagine that that the soap-on-a-rope that his child gave him for Xmas or his bday is the foremost gift in the earth, then that is what a father may need to do.
Learning to be a father is a experimentation course of action. One can not possibly discover most of precisely what is crucial concerning child-rearing from a publication of quotes about fatherhood. However, quotes about fatherhood may be very strong guides in a man's journey to find his style of raising a child. And at the end of the day, that style and the sincerity of the Father's desire are what matter most. Everything else is secondary. A father that can find his inspiration and motivation for being a better father will certainly excel over time. Nothing will be immediate and there are no silver bullets, but getting the wisdom of those philosophers and wise men / women is a good move. Why not take advantage of all of the resources at our disposal if we have the chance to do so?
If you want to read more about [http://www.quotesonfatherhood.com]quotes on fatherhood, please visit [http://www.quotesonfatherhood.com]http://www.quotesonfatherhood.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Quotes-on-Fatherhood-Actually-Make-You-a-Better-Father?&id=6587626] Can Quotes on Fatherhood Actually Make You a Better Father?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thoughts on My Dad on Fathers Day
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Swanson_Sherman]Barbara Swanson Sherman
I have a picture of my father, Robert S. Swanson, Jr, holding up his watch. It's the quintessential shot because to him punctuality was a cardinal virtue. Except for the time when Larry and I showed up an hour early and he was furious, because it meant we had been speeding. Safe driving was an even more cardinal virtue.
Volumes have been written about finding your life's work but Dad was succinct; "You have to look forward to getting up on the morning," he said and he did. Saturday mornings he would dance in the kitchen to his favorite singer, Joe Turner, the Boss of the Blues. Dad knew all the verses to Shake Rattle and Roll; "Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands, Get out in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots and pans." Mom, whose idea of breakfast was a cigarette and a Pepsi, was not amused. There was usually a work program after breakfast; raking leaves, washing the car, but any trip to the hardware store or the dump always included a stop for popsicles, even between meals.
Father's Day was the worst day in our family' s life--that's the day Larry was killed. Dad was broken-hearted but he set us an example in carrying his grief with dignity and grace. He met with all his friends and cried his heart out with each one. He reminded himself that he still had children and grandchildren, and he continued to find ways to laugh with us. He was determined see Larry in Heaven, and he set about living a life that made him worthy. He had tried repeatedly to quit smoking but the last time he started to light up he swore he heard Larry's voice saying; "Hey DAD!" He never had another cigarette. He cut back on his drinking to white wine in the evening with Mom, when they'd sit on the porch and talk about the old days. He even started a men's group titled Devotions, Dialogue and Doughnuts. A group of Greatest Generation men talking about their feelings? I'd love to have been a fly on the wall.
Dad made friends easily--wherever he went he soon became a regular. He was invited to a baby shower for the daughter of the managers of the Quick Mart where he bought his morning paper. Most men would hand this job over to the wife, but not Dad. On his own he went to a baby shop and bought two little blue outfits--he knew it was a boy--and had them nicely wrapped with a blue ribbon. Then he want to a Christian bookstore for a card. "I want a card that's Christian but not too Christian," he told the clerk. "I don't know what you mean," she said. Dad said, "I'm a born-again Christian. The person I'm sending this to is not. I want to let her know what I am without making her think i'm telling her what she should be." And the clerk said, "I think I can help you with that." When I think of this story I think of Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says; "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."
At his memorial service a lifelong friend recalled Jesus' parable of the talents, and called Dad a five talent guy, who invested all that he had and all that he was in service to others. Dad was one of life's encouragers. I'll always miss him, but the things he left behind will serve me all my life.
I'm an an artist writing about my art and my life. I got a Chinese fortune cookie that said' " Art is the answer." since I'm an artist married to Arthur I took that as a message from the Cosmos that I was on the right track.
Everything in my life--husband, children, home, friends, family, church, dachshund--inspires my art and my art makes my life worth living.
You can read more about it at http://barbaraswansonsherman.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Thoughts-on-My-Dad-on-Fathers-Day&id=6598724] Thoughts on My Dad on Fathers Day
I have a picture of my father, Robert S. Swanson, Jr, holding up his watch. It's the quintessential shot because to him punctuality was a cardinal virtue. Except for the time when Larry and I showed up an hour early and he was furious, because it meant we had been speeding. Safe driving was an even more cardinal virtue.
Volumes have been written about finding your life's work but Dad was succinct; "You have to look forward to getting up on the morning," he said and he did. Saturday mornings he would dance in the kitchen to his favorite singer, Joe Turner, the Boss of the Blues. Dad knew all the verses to Shake Rattle and Roll; "Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands, Get out in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots and pans." Mom, whose idea of breakfast was a cigarette and a Pepsi, was not amused. There was usually a work program after breakfast; raking leaves, washing the car, but any trip to the hardware store or the dump always included a stop for popsicles, even between meals.
Father's Day was the worst day in our family' s life--that's the day Larry was killed. Dad was broken-hearted but he set us an example in carrying his grief with dignity and grace. He met with all his friends and cried his heart out with each one. He reminded himself that he still had children and grandchildren, and he continued to find ways to laugh with us. He was determined see Larry in Heaven, and he set about living a life that made him worthy. He had tried repeatedly to quit smoking but the last time he started to light up he swore he heard Larry's voice saying; "Hey DAD!" He never had another cigarette. He cut back on his drinking to white wine in the evening with Mom, when they'd sit on the porch and talk about the old days. He even started a men's group titled Devotions, Dialogue and Doughnuts. A group of Greatest Generation men talking about their feelings? I'd love to have been a fly on the wall.
Dad made friends easily--wherever he went he soon became a regular. He was invited to a baby shower for the daughter of the managers of the Quick Mart where he bought his morning paper. Most men would hand this job over to the wife, but not Dad. On his own he went to a baby shop and bought two little blue outfits--he knew it was a boy--and had them nicely wrapped with a blue ribbon. Then he want to a Christian bookstore for a card. "I want a card that's Christian but not too Christian," he told the clerk. "I don't know what you mean," she said. Dad said, "I'm a born-again Christian. The person I'm sending this to is not. I want to let her know what I am without making her think i'm telling her what she should be." And the clerk said, "I think I can help you with that." When I think of this story I think of Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says; "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."
At his memorial service a lifelong friend recalled Jesus' parable of the talents, and called Dad a five talent guy, who invested all that he had and all that he was in service to others. Dad was one of life's encouragers. I'll always miss him, but the things he left behind will serve me all my life.
I'm an an artist writing about my art and my life. I got a Chinese fortune cookie that said' " Art is the answer." since I'm an artist married to Arthur I took that as a message from the Cosmos that I was on the right track.
Everything in my life--husband, children, home, friends, family, church, dachshund--inspires my art and my art makes my life worth living.
You can read more about it at http://barbaraswansonsherman.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Thoughts-on-My-Dad-on-Fathers-Day&id=6598724] Thoughts on My Dad on Fathers Day
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Letting Your Rebellious Son Do His Thing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_Buvala]Sean Buvala
Anyone raising a boy needs to remember the toddler years when the word "no" was frequently uttered by your toddler boy. It was a natural and even expected part of that developmental stage.
Saying "no" in words and actions is also a normal part of your son's developmental stages as he ages. The "no" you hear now might be louder or seem a bit angrier, but pushing the boundaries is as normal with your now-older son as it was when he first was toddling about.
Maybe you are thinking that your son is pushing too many limits, reveling in his rebelling. What do you do? I suggest you give him the freedom he needs to discover his personality, intervening into life-threatening behavior. Otherwise, take a parent-as-coach approach with your son as he sails through some tough waters.
Here are a few things to keep in mind with your rebellious son:
1. Choose your battles.
I write about this frequently, but sometimes parents need a reminder. In your own mind, know what the real and absolute limits are for your son's behavior. If everything he does is wrong, soon he will know that you have no idea what are your true boundaries for him. Learn to pass on the trivial things. Hair length, clothing and music choices are among the items that you should pass on. His tastes will change as he grows older. In his own good time, he will most likely abandon things that are really foolish.
Be aware, too, that your sons go through hormonal swings and changes just as your daughters do. Adjusting to his new hormone levels and how they effect his mind and body will lead to erratic behavior. It is part of growing up.
2. Interfere with life-threatening activities.
Keep a close eye on his activities and get involved when know he is engaged in life-threatening behavior. Shoplifting, prescription-drug abuse, carrying genuine weapons and improper use of an automobile are a few of the areas where you will need to intervene. You might be screamed at when you step into a critical situation. Remember that yelling alone cannot hurt you and his biology makes him ready for a shouting match up if you give him one. A good rule about arguing is to remember that the louder your son becomes, the lower your vocal volume should go.
3. Is his behavior a veiled attempt to communicate?
In a boy whose brain is still forming, who does not yet have the verbal skills of an adult, rebellious behavior may be a cover for another need. Is that annoyed, defiant boy in front of you using anger or lethargy to cover for his pain? Ask him if you any suspicions. Has a love interest spurned him? Are his friends mistreating him? Is he struggling with a physical issue such as acne, headaches, depression or physical developmental delay? Ask the questions and wait for the answer, which may take days. If he knows you are open to non-judgmental discussion, he will most likely come around. Keep the door open and be sure he knows you are ready to listen and help.
If you have honestly and patiently tried to speak to your son and he will not communicate with you, help him find a strong mentor who can listen without judgment. A good mentor will alert you when an issue needs your attention.
4. Don't be concerned about the opinion of others.
As a parent, you need to do what is right for your children in your particular situation and circumstances. While you might seek the counsel of your own trusted mentors, the opinions of your extended family, in-laws, friends and church leaders really are not important. Do not sacrifice the mental health of your son by responding to what "they" think.
Likewise, if your son has moved from simple rebellion (that is, it just makes you uncomfortable) to life-threatening behavior, seek out professional help. Any simple article on the Internet (including this one) should substitute for professional or medical assistance.
You are not alone in your frustration with your son. Parents throughout history have struggled with the fun and frustration of raising a boy. Do not take his rebellion personally but consider this part of his life as a discovery journey.
For more information about issues with your son, please see the website at [http://www.raisingaboy.net]http://www.raisingaboy.net.
Sean Buvala has worked with hundreds of families in his work in non-profit organizations. He is also the author of the book, "DaddyTeller," where he teaches parents to better bond with their kids and pass on family values via storytelling. There are plenty of free training videos at the http://www.daddyteller.com website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Letting-Your-Rebellious-Son-Do-His-Thing&id=6642595] Letting Your Rebellious Son Do His Thing
Anyone raising a boy needs to remember the toddler years when the word "no" was frequently uttered by your toddler boy. It was a natural and even expected part of that developmental stage.
Saying "no" in words and actions is also a normal part of your son's developmental stages as he ages. The "no" you hear now might be louder or seem a bit angrier, but pushing the boundaries is as normal with your now-older son as it was when he first was toddling about.
Maybe you are thinking that your son is pushing too many limits, reveling in his rebelling. What do you do? I suggest you give him the freedom he needs to discover his personality, intervening into life-threatening behavior. Otherwise, take a parent-as-coach approach with your son as he sails through some tough waters.
Here are a few things to keep in mind with your rebellious son:
1. Choose your battles.
I write about this frequently, but sometimes parents need a reminder. In your own mind, know what the real and absolute limits are for your son's behavior. If everything he does is wrong, soon he will know that you have no idea what are your true boundaries for him. Learn to pass on the trivial things. Hair length, clothing and music choices are among the items that you should pass on. His tastes will change as he grows older. In his own good time, he will most likely abandon things that are really foolish.
Be aware, too, that your sons go through hormonal swings and changes just as your daughters do. Adjusting to his new hormone levels and how they effect his mind and body will lead to erratic behavior. It is part of growing up.
2. Interfere with life-threatening activities.
Keep a close eye on his activities and get involved when know he is engaged in life-threatening behavior. Shoplifting, prescription-drug abuse, carrying genuine weapons and improper use of an automobile are a few of the areas where you will need to intervene. You might be screamed at when you step into a critical situation. Remember that yelling alone cannot hurt you and his biology makes him ready for a shouting match up if you give him one. A good rule about arguing is to remember that the louder your son becomes, the lower your vocal volume should go.
3. Is his behavior a veiled attempt to communicate?
In a boy whose brain is still forming, who does not yet have the verbal skills of an adult, rebellious behavior may be a cover for another need. Is that annoyed, defiant boy in front of you using anger or lethargy to cover for his pain? Ask him if you any suspicions. Has a love interest spurned him? Are his friends mistreating him? Is he struggling with a physical issue such as acne, headaches, depression or physical developmental delay? Ask the questions and wait for the answer, which may take days. If he knows you are open to non-judgmental discussion, he will most likely come around. Keep the door open and be sure he knows you are ready to listen and help.
If you have honestly and patiently tried to speak to your son and he will not communicate with you, help him find a strong mentor who can listen without judgment. A good mentor will alert you when an issue needs your attention.
4. Don't be concerned about the opinion of others.
As a parent, you need to do what is right for your children in your particular situation and circumstances. While you might seek the counsel of your own trusted mentors, the opinions of your extended family, in-laws, friends and church leaders really are not important. Do not sacrifice the mental health of your son by responding to what "they" think.
Likewise, if your son has moved from simple rebellion (that is, it just makes you uncomfortable) to life-threatening behavior, seek out professional help. Any simple article on the Internet (including this one) should substitute for professional or medical assistance.
You are not alone in your frustration with your son. Parents throughout history have struggled with the fun and frustration of raising a boy. Do not take his rebellion personally but consider this part of his life as a discovery journey.
For more information about issues with your son, please see the website at [http://www.raisingaboy.net]http://www.raisingaboy.net.
Sean Buvala has worked with hundreds of families in his work in non-profit organizations. He is also the author of the book, "DaddyTeller," where he teaches parents to better bond with their kids and pass on family values via storytelling. There are plenty of free training videos at the http://www.daddyteller.com website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Letting-Your-Rebellious-Son-Do-His-Thing&id=6642595] Letting Your Rebellious Son Do His Thing
Friday, November 4, 2011
Healing the Broken Family
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mallah_Rych_Hurst]Mallah Rych Hurst Every morning this past school year, my neighbor took his small son by the hand and walked the lad with his little backpack, down the street to his elementary school class. I often found that we left for school at the same time - the man with his boy and me, with my middle-school-aged son - getting into the car, while they walked down the street to their school. Watching them every morning made me smile. It was a sweet sight to see and a beautiful way to start the day. Such devotion to his task, this man showed! I admired him; but more than that, I discovered my neighbor had by the end of the year earned my respect. How? Why?
We live in a fatherless society more and more in my country. It is so sad, really. Where are my nation's fathers? How do we begin to repair the damage of so many broken families? So many broken relationships? So many broken people? Men who are willing to love single mothers do a great service to their communities, to their families and to themselves. Why, though, would a man do this? I believe it is because this man possesses an inward quality called honor. Of course, sincere love for the woman from which those children came certainly helps! But essentially, we are all flawed and learning how to love one another is a fundamental lesson we are all here to learn. For the single man..it is the definition of a true life purpose and can yield something the inward soul desires at an even deeper level - respect. The man who chooses to love and raise children not his own also does a duty to the greater good. How is this so?
A father is a male who sacrifices for a child his time, his knowledge, and his words. Few people, it seems want this job now - and even fewer know how to do it. Time is the fundamental factor that trumps everything else. It must be understood that words of love do not compare to time in the economy of children...or relationships for that matter. Perhaps that is why the man who is wise enough to perform the duty of staying is worthy of such true respect. It is an act of humility and some might say true spiritual merit to give oneself in service to another - even for a little while. To give yourself to another for a lifetime is graduation to another level altogether. Understand that the woman who is raising the child is already operating on this advanced level and is therefore looking for a partner who can operate on the same level. Yet, so many people walk away from this opportunity to advance and heal in their relationships.
This is essentially a flaw in one's character. Essentially, it a lack of integrity. Perhaps, it is our own inability to put away our own selfishness, that prevents us from fulfilling our duties to our children and to our marriages. It really isn't convenient, is it? It is after all a McDonald's fast food world...who wants to be inconvenienced enough to stop and build relationships with other people when there are so many potential people to choose from? Furthermore, babies do not even talk! Children cannot give back to you in the same way we give to them. THEY ARE NEEDY! Exactly! Which is why the man who took the time to walk his child to school every morning and the men who will take on these types of tasks are worthy of so much respect...and honor.
In a fatherless society, it is the male that is willing to give of himself to children not necessarily his own that builds the trusting environment necessary to grow the new family. The solitary male, who often feels he has had no purpose when he is just working for himself, discovers his presence adds stability and strength to the single mom unit that is so prevalent in American culture. This creates a new grafted-in family where healing and growth can replace the wounds of broken-ness that each person involved carries within.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Healing-the-Broken-Family&id=6657139] Healing the Broken Family
We live in a fatherless society more and more in my country. It is so sad, really. Where are my nation's fathers? How do we begin to repair the damage of so many broken families? So many broken relationships? So many broken people? Men who are willing to love single mothers do a great service to their communities, to their families and to themselves. Why, though, would a man do this? I believe it is because this man possesses an inward quality called honor. Of course, sincere love for the woman from which those children came certainly helps! But essentially, we are all flawed and learning how to love one another is a fundamental lesson we are all here to learn. For the single man..it is the definition of a true life purpose and can yield something the inward soul desires at an even deeper level - respect. The man who chooses to love and raise children not his own also does a duty to the greater good. How is this so?
A father is a male who sacrifices for a child his time, his knowledge, and his words. Few people, it seems want this job now - and even fewer know how to do it. Time is the fundamental factor that trumps everything else. It must be understood that words of love do not compare to time in the economy of children...or relationships for that matter. Perhaps that is why the man who is wise enough to perform the duty of staying is worthy of such true respect. It is an act of humility and some might say true spiritual merit to give oneself in service to another - even for a little while. To give yourself to another for a lifetime is graduation to another level altogether. Understand that the woman who is raising the child is already operating on this advanced level and is therefore looking for a partner who can operate on the same level. Yet, so many people walk away from this opportunity to advance and heal in their relationships.
This is essentially a flaw in one's character. Essentially, it a lack of integrity. Perhaps, it is our own inability to put away our own selfishness, that prevents us from fulfilling our duties to our children and to our marriages. It really isn't convenient, is it? It is after all a McDonald's fast food world...who wants to be inconvenienced enough to stop and build relationships with other people when there are so many potential people to choose from? Furthermore, babies do not even talk! Children cannot give back to you in the same way we give to them. THEY ARE NEEDY! Exactly! Which is why the man who took the time to walk his child to school every morning and the men who will take on these types of tasks are worthy of so much respect...and honor.
In a fatherless society, it is the male that is willing to give of himself to children not necessarily his own that builds the trusting environment necessary to grow the new family. The solitary male, who often feels he has had no purpose when he is just working for himself, discovers his presence adds stability and strength to the single mom unit that is so prevalent in American culture. This creates a new grafted-in family where healing and growth can replace the wounds of broken-ness that each person involved carries within.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Healing-the-Broken-Family&id=6657139] Healing the Broken Family
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