CHALLENGING IDEAS FOR ACTION-ORIENTED DADS
from Dr. Ken Canfield & the NATIONAL
CENTER for FATHERING
Copyright 1999 National
Center for Fathering
Reprinted with Permission
The Eighth Wonder?
In the News ...
Unable to explain what triggers the birth process and what
causes that newborn to take its first breath, physicians and
researchers are in awe of childbirth. Medical experts go on to say
that an infant changes more dramatically-both physically and
developmentally-immediately after birth than at any other time. This
is also true, in a parallel sense, for fathers.
During those first few years of his child's life, a father will bond
and establish a relationship with his child which will affect the
well-being of both. The benefits to the child are well-documented,
but what's in it for the dad? Joseph Pleck's research shows that a
father who dares to become involved in his child's birth and early
child rearing is less likely to: suffer an accidental and premature
death, be admitted to a hospital, have contact with the law, and be
involved in substance abuse. He is also likely to have a greater
overall sense of well-being. Engaged fathering has its rewards.
To Think About ...
The earlier we can help young men get a picture of the profound
beauty of responsible fatherhood, the better for them and their
children. When I speak to the elementary students in my Sunday school
class, I often liken the awesome experience of becoming a father to
the "eighth wonder" of our world. As I begin the discussion, I ask if
any of them have seen the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramids of Egypt or
the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Usually none have. As I describe the
seven wonders of the ancient world, they seem to be uninterested
until I tell them that they might have an opportunity to see the
eighth wonder of the world.
I describe this eighth wonder as one which will cost you a lot of
money, time and sleep to see. It takes about forty weeks of
preparation, but when the time is ripe, you head to the local
hospital and wait patiently for this wonder to arrive. After several
hours of nervousness and great discomfort, your child takes his first
breath and the color of his face changes. Then you know you've seen
the eighth wonder of the world.
In the Trenches ...
My forty-something brother and his wife had their third child
last week. My family and I were there to savor the moment with them.
It was powerful, but my younger brother's gray and balding head made
me chuckle about the ever-changing world of fatherhood. In just three
weeks, our twenty-something development director, Terry Holdren and
his wife Natalie will be having their first child. And in less than
ninety days, our thirty-something staff writer Brock Griffin and his
wife Tara are having their second child. The signs of fatherhood and
new life abound. They are rich and inspiring.
ACTION POINTS for Committed Fathers
1. Check out the latest "wonder of life" book from the library
and read it with your wife and/or children.
2. Write an encouraging note to a recent or soon-to-be father.
Describe the blessings you've experienced as a dad.
3. Ask your children to help you baby-sit another young family's
children while their mom and dad get some time alone together.
4. Spend an evening reminiscing as a family. Go through old
scrapbooks, video tapes, and mementos of your children's births.
10200 W. 75th Street, Suite 267, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 - Phone
913-384-4661 - Fax 913-384-4665 http://www.fathers.com
- E-mail dads@fathers.com
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