There’s a popular Country song entitled “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins that tells a story about a dad driving a car with his four-year-old little boy. Suddenly he slams on the brakes and the boy’s Happy Meal goes flying. The boy mutters a four-letter word that begins with “s.” The dad is startled and concerned. He asks the boy, “Where’d you learn to talk like that?”

The boy responds:

“I’ve been watchin’ you Dad, now ain’t that cool

I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you …

I wanna do everything you do

So I’ve been watchin’ you”

Father’s Day is next Sunday. This article is meant as a reminder to dads everywhere that their sons and daughters are always “watchin’ you.” Whether near or far dads are being watched as to how to live life. The father’s presence, character, values and life style are all absorbed by his children. Even if the father is not present, his absence negatively impacts his children.

In my many years of practice I have been consistently amazed at the “radar” that kids have regarding their parents. Kids take in what is going on! They may not choose or be able to express it, but they do know. They hear, see and sense. Never doubt that!

Kids and adults everyday tell me what has gone on in their home and its affect on them.

So, what kind of role model are you, Dad?

To help with your awareness, you might want to ask the kids themselves; or, perhaps, their mother. This feedback could be informative and interesting. Might even lead to some changes in behavior, perhaps an apology or two.

Basic premise: if you are going to father a child, then be there to lead and protect that child. S/he needs your guidance. You need to model behaviors that inspire and encourage your child to be the very best person possible. Without your leadership your child will flounder in some form or fashion. Guaranteed.

Perhaps, Father’s Day could be an opportune day to reflect on your father. What kind of man was he when you were watchin’ him? Was he present? Was he a good dad? If not did he become one? Your father always impacts you. You are probably very much like him or, for one reason or another, you have chosen to be significantly different.

In recent times in my office I heard a 12-year-old girl say, “Daddy, please quit smoking, I’m afraid you are going to die.” (The dad threw his pack in the wastebasket and said ,“I’m done.”) A 17-year-old boy told me his dad smoked marijuana with him starting at age twelve. An eight-year-old boy asked me to ask his father to quit yelling at his mother. A 14-year-old girl was upset that her father divorced her mother, was drinking a lot in her presence and rarely wanted to spend time with her. A 17-year-old girl said she was shutdown, shy and had low esteem in reaction to her parents fighting all the time. The list could go on and on.

For those of you who have not been a good dad, there probably is time to make amends and give it your best shot. A child always needs a good role model from dad no matter what his or her age may be. Remember, your child is always “watchin’ you”!

Most of you fathers deserve high praise and deserve to be honored.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

 

Dr. Stathas can be reached at 706-473-1780; e-mail: Stathas@plantationcable.net; web site: DrStathas.googlepages.com; blog: drstathas.com.