For a son, when he first dreams of being a superhero, he’s hoping his dad will show him how. As young boys we find heroes in animated cartoons and movies. Later it’s a sports star, or maybe famous actors in our favorite movie. But over and above all those heroes stands you, dad. Your sons look to you as a hero first and foremost. And you don’t have to earn that title; it just comes with your role.
This is a huge responsibility and so the question is “How can I possibly fill that role?” How many times a day do you look at your kids and think, “How on earth am I going to do this? I am in no way qualified to do this!” But you get through each day, you make many memories together and you wake up to another day.
You need to live in a way that every day your son can see and emulate the things you are doing. Be noble. Have courage. Demonstrate integrity. Put the needs of others above your own. Respect women. Stand up for what’s right. Do you remember the scout law? Well change the word scout to dad:
“A {dad} is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.”
It comes back to being an example. Your son needs a living example of what it means to be a man, a husband and a father. It’s something you need to be work on constantly. You are the prime example in his life and therefore should hold this responsibility high. I can’t even count the number of times I have seen my son do things he watched me doing. Are they always things I’m proud of? No, but I know that he watches me and it makes me watch myself on what I am doing.
Be positive even in the face of conflict—with neighbors, your boss, or maybe wife. That goes a long way to teach your son how to function in tough situations with heroic resolve. I can’t tell you how many times I have wanted to go off on someone, but quickly held back because my son was right there. I didn’t want to set that example to him at such a young age, or any age for that matter.
Model courage when you talk to him about things that needs to change, and then hold him accountable. I can only image the day that I have to confront my kids after they have done something that wasn’t the best choice. Model humility and courage when you go back and ask for forgiveness after you’ve been insensitive or too harsh with him.
Model how to love when you show him physical affection even when he gets older and it seems a bit awkward. I will never stop giving my kids hugs and kisses and I hope that there is never a day that they don’t want that from me. Also, when you make the effort to listen to him and keep open the lines of communication. I try to talk to my kids everyday and ask them how their day was, even if they are too little to talk.
For a daughter, getting love from her dad is a huge thing. How he treats her sets the tone for so many other relationships in her life. Every boy or man she meets will automatically be measured against her dad, and that relationship. He is her ultimate standard and role model for manhood. In a way, this completely scares me, but it’s a responsibility I am ready for and excited at the same time.
So if your relationship is open and warm, your daughter will be confident and will expect those same good things from the young men in her life. She’ll likely make good choices about who she spends time with. I think I worry about how I am with my daughter most because I want her to know what she deserves and have her respect herself.
When we heard that we were having a little girl I was so excited because I was ready to have a shopping buddy, ready to buy bows, dresses and accessories to go with everything. I am excited for the adventures that we will have that will be different from the adventures her brother and I will have because there is a special bond between daddy and daughter.
Watching your kids grow is a learning experience for all, but as a dad you are their hero and you need to stand up for what’s right. It’s hard being a parent, but some times we need to throw on our capes and be the parent that our little kids deserve.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a father, dad and hero to my two amazing children. I hope they know that it’s more than just wearing a cape that makes you a hero. But thankfully, Love Lane made these amazing Super Dad capes just in time for Father’s Day. What a great gift you could get your father, and hero this Father’s Day.
Then, why not make the entire family a group of heroes getting personalized capes that will mean the world to your little ones. And of course I love the fact that I put on my cape with my little ones and have absolutely no shame wherever we go together because we support one another.
Best news, just for Father’s Day, Love Lane is going to give away a cape to one lucky winner. All you need to do is follow @the_modern_dad & @lovelanedesigns on Instagram. Find the picture that has the giveaway details and tag all the friends you have. Then, Monday we will pick a winner at 9:00 am (MT). Good luck!
So this Father’s Day, show your dad that he is your hero, your Super Dad with one of these amazing Love Lane capes that he will enjoy just as much as your kids will when he wears it.
