Five reflections on Fatherhood
An Invitation
‘The path to presence’
The pull to show up
Every Father’s Day, I feel the pull to say something about what it means to be a Dad. Not because I have the answers… but because I’m still asking the questions.
Why do I feel that pull? Because being a Dad is an important part of who I am. Investing in the next generation shapes me, it helps me figure out what truly matters, both to me and for the world.
Research tells us that the role of a parent profoundly influences personality development, resilience, and the values children carry forward. How we show up as Dads (in our words, in our presence, in our example) teaches children not only who we are, but who they might become.
‘Reflected intentions’
The work of pausing, considering, and learning
Reflections in practice
Fatherhood isn’t a title you receive once; it’s something lived, learned, and reshaped every day. The work of being a Dad is sometimes joyful, sometimes painful, and always unfinished.
That’s why this Father’s Day week, I’m sharing a short series: five reflections that don’t offer rules, but rather, they offer questions, stories, metaphors, and lessons that have shaped me and might resonate with you.
This series will explore
listening deeply to those in our care;
modeling and guiding;
resilience; and
the joy of connecting.
My hope is that you can read, reflect, and choose one of these reflections to consider and practice for a week: for the kids you care about, and for yourself, as a Dad.
‘Shaping… and being shaped’
To be willing to learn from, and be inspired by, your children
Shaping and being shaped
Because fatherhood isn’t static. It’s not about being perfect, or even consistent. It’s about showing up, being willing to learn, and letting ourselves be changed by those we love.
Being a Dad is hard and constant work. It’s like so many things we value, a training in humility and patience… being a Dad is about showing up day after day, letting ourselves change and grow as we strive to be the parent, and person we want to be.
‘Questions as companions’
How to creatively maintain your calm in the ‘not-knowing’
questions as companions
So, over the next few posts, I invite you to walk with me through these reflections. Perhaps they’ll prompt your own questions about what being a Dad (or having a Dad) means in your life.
Invitation to Practice:
Take ten quiet minutes today and write down three questions you’ve always wanted to ask (or be asked) about fatherhood. Don’t worry about answering them. Just notice which questions rise up, and hold them as companions during this series.
Being present is the foundation of fatherhood. But presence alone isn’t enough… the next challenge is learning to listen deeply, and to talk through the kind of Dad you want to be. To name your aspirations as a Dad, to practice these, and bring those intentions into being in the world for your children.
My hope is that as you read these reflections, they spark your own questions and insights. And if you ever want a guide along that path… to help you explore, clarify, and step into how you can be the Dad you aspire to be, I welcome the conversation.
