Hi all my Minti friends!

I work in a state primary school -- as a chaplain, actually -- and come across so many children who are desperately wanting a little "Dad-time"... some of the younger kids (preppies to Grade 2'ers particularly), will just want to run up and

hug my leg, or hold my hand -- even when I'm still not sure of their names! -- quite a number of times teachers have commented, "Oh yes, that one doesn't have Dad at home", or "Dad is often away, he doesn't get to see him much" about these children.

Some of the older boys who are (or at risk of being) labelled as behaviourally-challenged students, just really, really need to have a father figure in their lives... they will often say as much!! It becomes obvious at about Yr 6 or 7 which of the girls don't have the same connection with a father-figure, too -- and it can be quite worrying to consider where they look for a replacement!

These kids can have the most lovely, caring, female teachers... and, in some cases, even have really switched on Mum's as well! -- and yet, something is not quite the same where they don't have 'the Dad-factor' present. This has really brought home to me the importance of my role as a father to 3 precious girls, in the development of healthy self-esteem and self-confidence, in learning how to make wise choices about friends and (in the future) boyfriends and husbands! 

The thought of who may be a 'surrogate' for them out there -- from outright predators down to much more commonly maladjusted males who haven't learned from a real man how to show respect and care and honour to a woman -- is enough of an incentive to take the time and pay whatever price tag comes with that to do it right!!

Come on dads/step-dads -- whether you have sons or daughters, the future health and happiness of your kids might depends on the quality of their connection with you right now!!

So what if there isn't a dad? What if you're a single female parent? Or if dad is really disconnected, unavailable, or otherwise out of the picture?

I really, really recommend that you take the initiative to look for the opportunities (social and sporting groups/church communities/youth groups/ friendship groups, mentoring programs at schools) for the kids to connect with SAFE surrogate father or grandfather figures.