The 3rd Sunday in June is celebrated as Father's Day in quite a few countries around the world (more so than on any other day I think). So to get in the mood we'll be posting a Father's Day related article each day this week to lead up to Sunday the 19th of June.
So we're now at T-7 ... check out Rusty and Larnold of the South Carolina Manhood Network with their inspirational video clip for Father's Day :-)
How does a boy become a man? He requires a process of initiation that can only be imparted within a community of men that involves testing and challenging, strength and determination, calling forth daring and courage.
A typical day features an exceptional full-day, professionally-guided outdoor adventure e.g. white-water rafting, snorkelling on the outer Great Barrier Reef, dual sea kayaking between Mission Beach and Dunk Island etc. The outdoor adventures selected cater for all fitness levels. A typical evening features a multimedia presentation and small group interaction on topics such as “Authentic Manhood versus Conventional Manhood”, and “The Four Marks of a Real Man”, followed by time relaxing around the fire sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Who? Young men aged 13 years and over, and their Dads, or Grandfathers, or Uncles etc. ... read more >>
According to counselor Bill Glass, who has spent 25 years with men who are incarcerated, not one of the thousands of prisoners he has met has genuinely loved his dad. And Dave Simmons, author of Dad, the Family Counselor, conducted a study that said over 90% of men on death row hated their father.
The correlation between social problems and lack of fatherly affection has been established time and time again. Being a loving dad is not only crucial for your family, but dictates the future course of our country. Dads, you matter - to everyone.
To find out how much fathers really do matter to our country - read this.
Huddle up and ask your family tonight: What can we do to reach out to a child who does not have a father in his/her life?
Dr. James Dobson, in his book Bringing Up Boys, relates the following story:
"I once had a conversation with a man named Bill Houghton, who was president of a large construction firm. Through the years, he had hired and managed thousands of employees. I asked him, 'When you are thinking of hiring an employee - especially a man - what do you look for?' His answer surprised me. He said, 'I look primarily at the relationship between the man and his father. If he felt loved by his dad and respected his authority, he's likely to be a good employee.' Then he added, 'I won't hire a young man who has been in rebellion against his dad. He will have difficulty with me, too.' I have also observed that the relationship between a boy and his father sets the tone for so much of what is to come. He is that important at home."
Your son means so much to you. And you mean a lot to him - and his future. Cherish him. ... read more >>
This is a clip from tv show "Fresh Prince of Bell Air" with Will Smith, in this clip Will Smith gets reunited with his estranged father (Lou) after 14 years of absense, who tells him that he is coming to spend the summer with him. But Lou disappoints Will again by telling him that there trip will have to be postponed.
Even thou this is acting (great acting), I was inspired to post this clip.
Real live can be a lot harder. ... read more >>
The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation's "Shave for a Cure" 2009 TV commercial was filmed in 2008 with a young man called Ryan, along with his close family and friends. This commercial is a true representation of the support and commitment that communities throughout New Zealand need to give to this cause. Ryan has been through a series of leukaemia treatments, and it was in spite of this he got out to film this commercial, with all those friends and family who are featured in this ad, coming together to show their support of him
Sometimes I think my 11 month old son Joey has a genetic make-up closer to that of a tank than his sister. Sure, they look similar as brothers and sisters tend to do and after an initial period of Miss 2 pounding the crap out of her newborn brother at every opportunity, they get on great. (If being friends with a piece of precision military equipment were possible.) ... read more >>
He is all boy! He loves sports. Especially football. He will immerse himself in anything athletic absorbing facts and stats. It's not all bad. He's learned geography by identifying teams (college and pro) and their locations and placing them on a map. He can count by sevens faster than any first grader I know.
And in true all boy fashion, he will cringe and moan, covering his eyes at the big kiss scenes of any movie or show. When his aunts come to visit, he will run and hide when they ask for a big kiss and wipe them off should one happen to sneak in a peck.
All boy.
He is also the sweetest little boy that you could ever happen to meet. And every once in a while will let his man-shield down just far enough to expose his inner goodness.
Last night was just one such instance.
Zane dropped his shield long enough to indulge his sisters, Zia and Zella, in a rip roaring game of Pretty Pretty Princess. ... read more >>
In the chaos of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of many of the important things you can do as a father. Here's a list of some of the more important ones:
1. Leave something for them - a letter to them, some reflections on their childhood
2. Understand family systems
3. Tell them your stories
4. Have rituals in your family
5. Teach them your values
6. Avoid the bad mistakes - anger is often a culprit
7. Know the stages of your child’s growth
8. Be playful with them, even when they’re older
9. Know your child’s life intimately
10. Treat your wife very well
11. Be physical with them - hugs, wrestle
12. Do nothing with them
13. Know the fundamental errors we make with boys and girls
14. Take care of your life
15. Get them involved in activities
16. Be accepting of all of them
17. Make connections - family and friends
18. Yes, tell them you love them
19. Learn how to process events
20. Teach them how to do one thing really well ... read more >>
There comes a time when our little boys will become men, it is then our job as fathers to be the role model to our sons, so that they can be fine young men that contribute to society
Are you organising, running or attending any stay-home-dad meetings in your area? We'd like to start a directory of groups per city. Let us know and we will list your group here.
According to counselor Bill Glass, who has spent 25 years with men who are incarcerated, not one of the thousands of prisoners he has met has genuinely loved his dad. And Dave Simmons, author of Dad, the Family Counselor, conducted a study that said over 90% of men on death row hated their father.
Sometimes I think my 11 month old son Joey has a genetic make-up closer to that of a tank than his sister. Sure, they look similar as brothers and sisters tend to do and after an initial period of Miss 2 pounding the crap out of her newborn brother at every opportunity, they get on great. (If being friends with a piece of precision military equipment were possible.) 
He is all boy! He loves sports. Especially football. He will immerse himself in anything athletic absorbing facts and stats. It's not all bad. He's learned geography by identifying teams (college and pro) and their locations and placing them on a map. He can count by sevens faster than any first grader I know.
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