A TRUE “DADDY’S GIRL’S” TAKE ON FATHER’S DAY
BroadwayJoe.tv would like you to see Jessica Namath’s Fathers Day article. Happy Fathers Day from all of us at BroadwayJoe.tv, and enjoy!
By Jessica Namath
I love Father’s Day, mostly, because I love my father! I’m a true “daddy’s girl,” and the strength of our relationship and the amount of effort and love he’s always put into it has, without a doubt, shaped me into the person I am today. It’s only now, as an adult, that I realize how important the relationship I have had, and continue to have, with my father has been in laying the foundation for who I am and how I view the world.
This year, with Father’s Day approaching, I became interested in finding out the history behind the day we honor our dads. Doing a little research, I discovered it originated in the early 1900s. Following the inception of Mother’s Day, the first Father’s Day was held in Spokane, Washington in June of 1910, thanks to a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Her own father raised six children by himself after the death of her mother. It was quite uncommon for widowed fathers of the time to do that, since most remarried quickly or sought help from female family members. She felt her dad, and fathers in general, deserved a day of recognition, like mothers were getting, and the nation quickly agreed and embraced this new tradition.
As I learned about the history of Father’s Day, I related to the feelings of its founder. After my parents divorced, when I was 13, my dad didn’t slip out of our life, nor did my sister and I fall by the wayside as he searched for a new life or wife. We always remained his top priority. Growing up, there was never a question of whether or not my dad wanted to be with us. We knew he did. He never complained about not getting to spend time with his friends or needing a break from his parenting duties. In fact, it was just the opposite. Whatever activities my sister and I participated in, my dad was actively involved. He’d pick us up and drop us off at school, join us on field trips, diligently watch my sports practices, and be in the front row for my theater performances and dance recitals. His consistent involvement and support made all the difference in the world and I owe him so much for that.
I know something only a daughter knows – how important the relationship is between a girl and her father. I’m a firm believer that if children get positive feedback and encouragement from their parents, their self-esteem will reap the rewards. The first man in a girl’s life is her father, and their relationship paves the way for her future relationships. Growing up, and still to this day, my dad is always the first to tell me how beautiful I am or how well I did at something. And while he’s also the first to point out a mistake or where I have room for improvement, that honesty has also helped me learn more about myself.
I’m certainly not going to go all ‘Samantha Brick’ here (if you’re not familiar with her, Google her, right after reading this), but I know that my father’s compliments and approval have made all the difference in the self-confidence I possess as an adult. While it’s always nice to get a nod of approval or compliments from the opposite sex, I’ve never judged my worth or value based on someone else’s opinion of me. I truly believe that has to do with the approval I have for myself that was solidly ingrained in me by my father.
In today’s world of compulsive social networking and relentless competition, judging and bullying, I think it’s all the more important for parents to do everything possible to instill self-confidence in their children. As a mother, I have come to really understand that – and to also understand it’s a challenging job for which we should support others and seek support when we need it. I was just thinking about that the other day when my dad and I went to Toys R Us to look at bibs for my 17-month-old daughter, (I told you we do nearly everything together). My dad pointed to one and said: “Now why would they do this?” He was pointing to a bib that said: “My dad is cooler than your dad.” I know it’s intended to be cute, but parenting is so hard that I don’t think we should be encouraging competition between fathers, or mothers for that that matter, (think “Time Magazine’s” recent cover, “Are You Mom Enough?”).
As parents, we all have to play the cards we are dealt and deal with the situations we find ourselves in. The most you can ask of any parent is that they do their best and unconditionally love and support their child the best they know how. Being a parent – a good parent – is very difficult. And, as we all know, it truly is a job that’s never finished. That’s one of the greatest things about my dad. Although my sister and I are adults with children of our own, he still continues to teach and guide us. His approach with raising us has always been that he’s training us for life, whether it’s reading and relaying the latest health and diet tips, reminding us “it’s a war out there!” when we’re driving, or encouraging us to exercise, because, as he always says: “Our health is our most taken for granted luxury.” My dad is always reinforcing habits he knows will make us better people (and safer drivers).
While I love my father for all these reasons, this year, the thing I’m most grateful for, is that I get to share him with my daughter. I see the pure joy and happiness on both of their faces when they see each other. I love that he gets to actively play a role in seeing her grow and that I get to share that with both of them. To me, this year, it really hit me that Father’s Day is the day we honor, thank and celebrate our fathers, and father figures, for the impact and contributions they’ve had on our lives, and the lives of our children.
This Father’s Day, whether you’re remembering your dad or fortunate enough to be celebrating with him, take a moment to reflect on the impact he has had on you and share your gratitude for that with him. In this hectic world we sometimes forget to tell those we love just how much they mean to us. Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do just that! Zithromax
