WRCNM News

Fathers are more than a dictionary definition

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If you look up ‘father’ or ‘fatherhood’ in the dictionary you will find a one-dimensional, narrow and even outdated definition.

In reality, fatherhood is about being a person who is caring, supportive, loving, strong, decisive, fun, courageous, knowledgeable, patient, generous and kind – a person we can call if we’re in a pinch, who will be there for us.

Fatherhood is also about being a role model.  Children soak up the language that fathers use and the actions they take like a dry sponge.

Fatherhood is about being versatile; dealing with everything from routine everyday tasks to full-blown emergencies.

Fatherhood is about being strong, yet gentle; a protector against scary monsters under the bed and a soother after that first ride without training wheels goes awry.

Fatherhood is about instilling a sense of well-being and confidence in their children as they grow by offering affection and support.

Fatherhood is about teaching life lessons by instilling and enforcing rules, fairness and responsibility.

Fathers have another vitally important role as champions to end violence against women and girls. It’s taking those concepts of fairness and responsibility to decide who they stand with, what they stand against and what they stand for.  It’s speaking out to let people in their life know that domestic abuse and sexual assault are unacceptable to them.  It’s speaking up when language, comments or jokes demean and devalue women and girls by simply saying, “Hey, that’s not cool.”  It’s standing up to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions; it’s believing survivors.

Father’s Day is June 21.  What a wonderful day to pledge to be part of the solution in ending violence against women and girls.

Learn how you can say no to violence by calling the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) Violence Prevention Coordinator at (231) 347-1572.

Take action by joining  the 100 Men Campaign with a $100 donation that furthers the WRCNM’s vital work in providing counseling and advocacy to adult and child survivors of abuse and assault, as well as violence prevention activities in our northern Michigan community.  For more information about the 100 Men Campaign, call (231) 347-0067 or click here.