I’m very fortunate to have a father who expressed care from a young age. It’s often assumed that mothers show their love and dads have a harder time. One of my favorite Valentine’s memories is a coin bank that my ‘Pa’ gave me when I was about 9. It was the ‘little shop of love’. I cherished that gift for years until it broke during a move. I cried. And why, because it was a special moment that we shared and I always remember.
While my dad was always there for my mom on Valentine’s Day with the traditional flowers or small gifts, he made a special little effort to show me – his daughter – he cared mucho. A recent dad contributor, James Venney mentioned in his post that he turns off his cell phone during weekly visits with his daughter so she has his full attention. It’s not an easy task, but it’s certainly a sign of love and an example of instilling confidence in her later on.
This Valentine’s day we asked our blogger dad amigos to tell us how they express love, amor, amoré, mahalin, renmen, (you get the picture!) – for and to their children. So many times it’s a simple daily act that means so much. I know for my tweens, it’s my husband’s paciencia as a math tutor. It’s a true sign of love!
TED RUBIN (@TEDRUBIN) ON VALENTINE’S AND DADS
Today, while it is much more accepted and expected that men express their love to children, they don’t always do. For many cultures, men are still not expected to cry or express themselves in a loving way. But they need to.
Father’s showing their tweens love is important for their self-esteem now and for the rest of their lives. They live in a tough world. There’s bullying, growing peer pressure, social challenges, school stress and more. Love is a small solution that can help children get through it. Dale, dirle que los quieres – cuentale algo lindo. Tell them you love them and tell them something sweet that makes them feel loved.
GEORGE TORRES (@URBANJIBARO) ON VALENTINE’S AND DADS
Happy Family Valentine’s Day… felicidades con mucho amor!
