The Eighth Wonder? - From Dad's Point of View

by Dr. Ken Canfield

 
Copyright 1999 National Center for Fathering
Reprinted with Permission

 

In the News ...

Unable to explain what triggers the birth process and what causes that newborn to take its first breath, physicians and researchers are in awe of childbirth. Medical experts go on to say that an infant changes more dramatically-both physically and developmentally-immediately after birth than at any other time. This is also true, in a parallel sense, for fathers.

During those first few years of his child's life, a father will bond and establish a relationship with his child which will affect the well-being of both. The benefits to the child are well-documented, but what's in it for the dad? Joseph Pleck's research shows that a father who dares to become involved in his child's birth and early child rearing is less likely to: suffer an accidental and premature death, be admitted to a hospital, have contact with the law, and be involved in substance abuse. He is also likely to have a greater overall sense of well-being. Engaged fathering has its rewards.

To Think About ...

The earlier we can help young men get a picture of the profound beauty of responsible fatherhood, the better for them and their children. When I speak to the elementary students in my Sunday school class, I often liken the awesome experience of becoming a father to the "eighth wonder" of our world. As I begin the discussion, I ask if any of them have seen the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramids of Egypt or the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Usually none have. As I describe the seven wonders of the ancient world, they seem to be uninterested until I tell them that they might have an opportunity to see the eighth wonder of the world.

I describe this eighth wonder as one which will cost you a lot of money, time and sleep to see. It takes about forty weeks of preparation, but when the time is ripe, you head to the local hospital and wait patiently for this wonder to arrive. After several hours of nervousness and great discomfort, your child takes his first breath and the color of his face changes. Then you know you've seen the eighth wonder of the world.

In the Trenches ...

My forty-something brother and his wife had their third child last week. My family and I were there to savor the moment with them. It was powerful, but my younger brother's gray and balding head made me chuckle about the ever-changing world of fatherhood. In just three weeks, our twenty-something development director, Terry Holdren and his wife Natalie will be having their first child. And in less than ninety days, our thirty-something staff writer Brock Griffin and his wife Tara are having their second child. The signs of fatherhood and new life abound. They are rich and inspiring.

ACTION POINTS for Committed Fathers

1. Check out the latest "wonder of life" book from the library and read it with your wife and/or children.
2. Write an encouraging note to a recent or soon-to-be father. Describe the blessings you've experienced as a dad.
3. Ask your children to help you baby-sit another young family's children while their mom and dad get some time alone together.
4. Spend an evening reminiscing as a family. Go through old scrapbooks, video tapes, and mementos of your children's births.

10200 W. 75th Street, Suite 267, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 - Phone 913-384-4661 - Fax 913-384-4665 http://www.fathers.com - E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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