I’m a fan of the National Fatherhood Initiative and its dynamite leader, Roland Warren. I’ve written for their blog and was recently invited to contribute to their research publication Father Facts. Quite an honor, particularly since it’s something they describe as “a go-to resource for policymakers, the press, fatherhood practitioners, and anyone interested in supporting responsible fatherhood. Copies are given out to every member of the Senate and House, state governors, and key media contacts.”
My two cents helping shape federal policy? Sounds like a great opportunity.
Here’s what they’ve asked me to write about:
It would be great if you could contribute an essay for Father Facts 6 on the rise (or lack thereof?) of dads online and in the social media world. I think your perspective is a really good one, and this would give you an opportunity to share your perspective with the people in media, government, and the nonprofit world who care most about fatherhood.
So I’m asking you, dear reader, for some help. What’s your take on this topic? What resources do you think are splendid examples of fathers being engaged and sharing their experiences and vision online? Who’s doing it right in the social media world?
Thanks for your two cents!
I think there’s a huge gap in father perspectives on line. The average joes.
Too many online dads are stay at home writers, or chefs, or yupies or some other such nonsense. They talk about wine tasting and hair coloring and basically sound like a bunch of damn chicks. (not that chicks are bad)
I realize that the Mike Rowes of the world probably don’t surf the net that much but I just don’t see much content for them- or at least blog content for them. There are forums regular dads can hang out in- like http://www.dadshideout.com
And I’ve been writing a crass, right-side-of-the-cave blog for two years. But there needs to be more. Us cavemen are dads too! We’d like something written by someone who still has full use of their testicles. Someone who can swing a hammer or gut a deer or rebuild a tranny. Lure us away from the DUY Network and stimulate our minds.
Think of the children.
You might check out this guy. http://blirred-reality.blogspot.com/ I’m not always sure what I think….but I’ve found a number of his posts inspiring. Others are just plain funny too. But he definitely takes some posts into some pretty thoughtful areas regarding parenting and fatherhood specifically.
If you think the blogosphere is devoid of father bloggers, it’s much worse when you talk about Hispanic and African American fathers. I’m currently the nation’s only Latino father blogger, PapiBlogger and even though I mostly write about “creative parenting tricks” I think it’s bad more men in general are not blogging about fatherhood because fatherhood is definitely under siege in this country. Hopefully by blogging PapiBlogger and others can help turn the tide!
My reaction to this post was less about fatherhood blogs or resources on fatherhood perspectives, but rather how can single parents use the internet to enhance their relationship with their child?
There are certainly numerous ideas for activities that a parent can share the experience of digital technology and the Internet with their child. Simultaneuously teaching their child about technology, in the context of a parent-child bonding activity. Perhaps it’s creating a blog together, or taking digital photos and processing them together and making a photo album. Or building a website with your child.
For my own experience, I am not only a single parent, but my son lives in a foreign country. You think you have it bad? Try that. I travel internationally 3-4 times a year, and maintaining a meaningful relationship with him is a heartbreaking challenge.
One tool we use to keep in touch is Skype. We Skype every couple of weeks, and though it’s not always roses, it has helped a lot. We interact, goof around, and just spend some face time together. It has been a savior. I could rant about how it helps, but you can figure it out.
Even if your child lives in just another state, or city, but if you go long periods of time without seeing them, this would help. The important thing is regular, reliable contact, building trust, and building the knowledge in your child that daddy is there when needed. Hope this helps.
there’s no exemption in expressing our feelings,we as a human, has the right to tell anybody or share our experiences .Express your feelings.