Last week I went to Disneyland with my wife, two sons and my wifes friends, and their child, who were visiting from Argentina. I am always reluctant to go to the theme parks mostly because I don’t like all of the waiting, walking around and the plain ole hassle that it can be.
But, I must say that I loved being with my family and had a really, really fun time. The best part was seeing the joy on my families face that I was there with them.
My son and I had just come off of exhilirating ride on the Matahorn. We were chatting it up on how “awesome” it was. I think my son must of said the word “awesome” ten times. It was great.
As we walked off I saw a father “dragging” his son out of the line. The father was filled with anger and chiding his son in front of the whole crowd. Tears were streaming down the boys face. It was pretty obvious to me that at the last minute the boy got scared and didn’t want to go on the ride. And, his “macho” father let him have it. It was painful to see this go down.
I am not hear to judge this man but men, let’s take in Alexine’s article and take a moment before we act out of emotion and anger. Our kids will be better for and so shall we.
Welcome to August’s “Counselor’s Corner” article. As I shared in the newsletter, each month I will profile a professional counselor/therapist who will provide some parenting tips/thoughts with us. Enjoy Alexine’s article on “Active Listening.” Alexine Thompson-de Benoit, M.S., MFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Please respond to her article. I would love to hear your thoughts and what you think. You can contact Alexine directlyif you need some one-on-one assistance. Her contact information is after the article. Read the rest of this entry »
I still don’t know what to expect when I have a kid, and I ‘ve had one for 6 months now. As a man, making progress is important and just when I think something is figured out, it changes — HE changes. Well, it sure keeps me on my toes and reminds me that this little guy is a real person, not some sort of sophisticated doll or something.
Isaac is his name. Isaac Jonathan. I thought I was working hard before he was born… Boy I look forward to seeing him when I get home and when he is lying in his crib in the morning, just waiting for his first hug. This boy can change in an instant so I’ve learned a new lesson in enjoying the now, not what now should, could, or might be but what it is.
As this video so clearly shows, sometimes the moment arrives and you almost don’t realize how amazingly special it is until it’s over. Thank God for inexpensive digital cameras and a quick thinking mom! I hope I can grow to appreciate the moment as it is more often and not miss the pleasant surprises that often trail the hard work. Much love to my boy and his irreplaceable mommy. A hat tip to the dads out there.
Let me introduce you to our Daddy of the Month for August. Damon Domici is a single father to his lovely daughter Angelina. Daddy of the month is a new thing we are doing here at American Daddy! I want to hi-light men that are making a difference in their child/children’s lives by being committed to them.
Please send me a picture of you and your child or children plus a story of what being a dad means to you. Check out Damon’s story below! It rocks and will certainly put a big smile on your face!!!
THE PERFECT DATE
We walked right in the restaurant holding hands.
Everyone stopped and stared at us. Some even came up
to me and said how beautiful she was. She was the
perfect woman through the entire date…no arguing, no
complaining, and she even laughed at my jokes. She
ordered the least expensive meal without hesitation.
She made me smile and she made me laugh. She fed me
some of her food and let me feed her some of mine.
Things couldn’t have been more genuine. At the end of
the night she gave me a kiss & a hug. Better yet she
came home with me. What topped the night off was she
said “thank you, daddy” and fell asleep right by my
side.
I love you so much, Angelina….you are the best thing
that has ever happened to me!
Truly, the best date I’ve ever had with my beautiful
daughter!
Damon…thanks for your contribution to American Daddy!
Hello Friends…I wanted to let everyone know that I have been brought on as the “daddy expert” for a blog community, called The Spotter, based out of New York City. It’s a cool site where they are reaching out to form community in the City. It will be launching in the next couple of weeks. The blogs address is www.thespotter.net. I am very excited to be a part of this community as one of the experts!
I have begun to build a relationship with my neighbor who is a contractor and just a good guy. We have been hanging out a bit as of late swapping “Daddy” stories. At 46, he has just become a father for the first time. His son is only six months old. It is so amazing the change that a child can make in a father’s heart and life. My friend began to share with me that he was watching a movie on t.v…. He had his son right next to him as he was watching the movie. A part of the movie came up where it dealt with a father fighting to spend time with his child. My friend was so moved during this scene that he literally began to shed some tears. He was looking at his son and telling him that he would never leave him and that he would always be there for him.Here we were…two grown men revealing ourselves to each other and sharing the impact that our children have had in our lives. It was wonderful! I am so thankful that my new friend and neighbor had the courage to go deep with me. I am a better man for it!
Every morning I watch our 15-month old so that my wife can get her much needed rest. This morning we went out to the front yard and I turned on the sprinklers to water the grass. We live somewhat in the hills so there are always birds, planes or helicopters flying around us and above us.
With every step and touch of a new plant or flower the “ahhhhs” begin to ooze from Ezrah’s tender lips. Then as the birds flew and the airplanes and helicopters roared the air was filled with a series of “ooohs”.
This morning was such a time of discover for my baby and I. His discoveries were the newness and sounds of life. My discoveries were the new ways that I saw Ezrah and the immense joy that he brought me this morning.
My family and I just spent the last week in Miami, Florida on vacation. I must say that it was such a wonderful, wonderful time. The weather was perfect, apart from a couple of rain showers. The activities…the beach…para-sailing…wave runners and scooting all over town on a scooter were also what made the time fantastic.
My wife, along with our baby, headed to Key West with a few of her girlfriends mid-week which left my 10-year old son and I to take on Miami by ourselves. Some of the most memorable moments for me was the one-on-one time that he and I shared and the “great” conversations that he and I had. I can tell you that he had me laughing on so many occasions! We had our times of conversations that had depth to them as well. My son is funny, insightful, creative, caring, daring and full of adventure.
I want to encourage the dads out there to get some one-on-one time with your kids and let them shine. You will be a better man for it.
I would love to hear some of your stories as well.
I wanted to share with you the poem that my ten year old son wrote for me. It is titled “A Portrait of My Dad!” I must say that I was greatly moved at my son’s descriptive writing. All I can say is that it “moved” me in the most wonderful way:
A Portrait of My Dad
by Julian Pelino
You dad are a hurricane moving excitedly, you have everything upon you. Your voice beats like a drum that never stops its loud beat.
A color? You are the dark blue of the mountain sky. You are a lion sleeping tiredly in the shade.
When I am with you I feel like an excited lightening bolt striking a tree.
I am currently sitting in an airport on my way back to L.A. I had the opportunity to appear as a guest on the 700 Club show this morning to talk about my book project American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed.
On my flight from Virgina to Dulles/Washington airport, for my layover, I sat next to a man who was a Chaplain. He has served two tours in Iraq and shared some of his story with me. I can’t imagine what many of these men and women have gone through.
I was moved, once again, at the sacrifice many men and women are making. The fact that they are away from their families and the impact of that separation on all. With Father’s Day just around the corner I was thinking of all the wives, sons and daughters that would not get to give a big hug to their husbands & fathers.
So, I want to wish all fathers a happy Father’s Day! I want to wish all of the men serving our country a happy Father’s Day! You are all heroes!
