DADs - YOUR Opinions Do Matter on Minti

Earlier today I was prompted to write this article in support of the DADs here on Minti, because sometimes a few bad eggs can make us think the whole bunch is rotten.

I believe MOST men are

well adjusted, balanced individuals who really do care for their families & I love it when a DAD steps in & offers his opinion on many of the topics here on Minti... It's great to get their point of view because their opinions matter.

Many years ago, my son taught me a valuable lesson when my daughter & I were discussing my ex. He said we sounded like  'men haters' because we seemed to lump all men into the same mold... Well he was right & he helped me open up my eyes to our bad attitude.

Not all men are bad & we need to remember this. When it comes to the parents that visit this site we really do need to start to consider their feelings.

Another thing my son said that day was that my ex was his Father not his DAD & that was the big difference.

A Father is the male parent of our children, whether biological, social or through a legal relationship with the child.

But what is a DAD?

In my opinion it really does take someone special to be a Dad. After pondering this question I've decided that you can recognize a Dad by the way he relates to his kids.

Sit back awhile & observe how the men in your life relate to the children around them & let me know what you think.

• Listen to what they say... then to what they don't say; A Dad tends to encourage, lift up, correct without belittling; They avoid bringing up topics which might frighten or dismay their children & most importantly they're not afraid to say those three little words... 'I love you'.

• Observe what they do... then what they don't do; This one's hard as it really depends on how they've been brought up. I don't think a dad would swear, take drugs, drink, or hurt another human being in front of their kids because a Dad would understand the importance of role modeling & would want to be a good influence on their kids. Plus a Dad would show healthy affection, giving his child a kiss on the cheek or a well deserved hug without anyone feeling uncomfortable about it.

• Question them on how they feel about a certain subject, especially if it relates to their children: You may be surprised when you hear what your man's thinking or how he 'stands' on a given subject when it comes to his children. I've known some men that are very passionate about a variety of topics when it comes to the children in their lives.

Each Dad is unique but the one thing common to all Dads is that they would do anything to protect their children & make them happy.
A Dad listens, suggests & defends. He's proud of his children's accomplishments whether great or small; He is always ready to come to their rescue & loves them unconditionally.

The following poem was written by ~ Susan Ceylise.~ http://homepages.tesco.net/~derek.berger/dad.html

What is a Dad

A Dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A Dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A Dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

Dad, you're everything a Dad should be and some.

Anyhow... To all you Dads out there on Minti, I want to appologise if I have ever written anything which has cast a negative light on men in general & promise to try not to do so in the future.