Celebrating Dads
It's June—the weather is finally warmer, the trees have leaves again, and an important holiday is around the corner.
Father's Day is Sunday, June 16. Although the history of Father's Day in the United States is relatively short (it was only made a permanent national holiday when President Nixon signed it into law in 1972), the holiday has been celebrated in various countries in one form or another dating back to the fifth century.
That long history should not be surprising; we know how important fathers are in the lives of children. In a recent article, the National Institute for Children's Health Quality wrote, "Evidence demonstrates that fathers play a critical role in children's health and development . . . When fathers are involved during pregnancy, mothers are 1.5 times more likely to receive prenatal care in the first trimester . . . During infancy, fathers can support mothers in breastfeeding and in following safe sleep guidelines, both of which can reduce infant deaths. Fathers also play an important role in supporting children during early childhood, in terms of executive function and social emotional development. And during adolescence, father involvement translates to better outcomes in school and a reduced risk of teen pregnancies."
Being a father is such an important job. Let's support great childhoods by celebrating the fathers, dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and uncles who have made a difference in our lives. Thank you all.
Conquering Big Rocks
Kirsty Walker, Marketing and Communications Specialist
I have always had a special bond with my father. Some of my most cherished memories are from our camping trips at Big Rock Campground in Lincoln, New Hampshire. My family would go almost every year, packing the car the night before—tent, chairs, hammock, the essential "camping box" (a plastic bin that housed every little thing you could possibly need)—and we would wake up early the next day to make the 75-mile trip up north. Once there, Dad would beeline the car to our favorite campsite—the one right next to the famed "Big Rock"—and we'd all get to work setting up our temporary home.
Over the long weekend, my mom, dad, brother, and I would spend quality time together, hiking to beautiful waterfalls, mini-golfing in town, and just sitting around the campfire roasting hot dogs. Though I enjoyed every second of these activities, my favorite part of the weekend typically happened shortly after our arrival, sometimes even before we finished unpacking.
During our first free moment, we would approach the base of the Big Rock and admire its size—How did it get here? How much does it weigh? How long has it been here? We would wander around to the back side where there was a more gradual grade (we'd done this many times and knew precisely the best spot). My dad would crouch down, cup his hands together, and motion for me to take the step. I'd put my right foot into his palms, and with one swift upward boost, I'd be climbing the boulder, his hands safely behind ready to catch me if I slipped.
I felt like I was on top of the world. The view from the peak—although nice—was not the point of the adventure. That support my dad gave me—the loving boost that lifted me over the giant boulder blocking my path, an obstacle that I otherwise would not have been able to overcome—was then, and has always continued to be, so important to me.
This Father's Day, let's celebrate the dads who have helped us overcome those giant boulders that so often seem to block our way. Without you, Dad, I'd still be standing on the ground.
June Happenings
Here's what's coming up in June. We schedule trainings on an ongoing basis, so please be sure to check out our events and trainings pages for the most up-to-date info!
Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support Recertification Training
June 12, 2019 | 8:30–3:00 PM
This interactive training is for those previously certified on the nationally-adopted Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support. Participants will review the Standards and explore their continued application in their work with families. Learn more.
If you're interested in scheduling a training in your area, please contact us!