And a Monday Mission, too

It’s time for the Monday Mission, with a Fathers Day focus:

1. What does Father’s Day mean to you personally?

A time to think about my dad and all he did for me. And to suddenly realize that I, too, am now a dad, and what an utterly terrifying thing that is if I dwell upon it.

2. Was there a Father, or a Father Figure in your life as you grew up?

Yup. Big, strong, stern, the whole Dad Thing.

3. If you are a parent, is the father of your child(ren) involved on a daily basis? Is that even important?

Um, I try to be. Sometimes I catch myself getting all tangled up in Other Things to Do, and other times I wonder how it is that I can’t get anything done, but I always try to take a daily interest in Kitten, in how she’s doing, in how she’s changing. I take point in feeding her dinner, and it’s evolved into my job to give her a bath in the evening, and help get her put down for the night.

And, yes, it’s important. It’s one of the most important duties I have. And, often, one of the most pleasurable.

4. With Rosie, Callista, Jodie and Camryn all raising children without Fathers, Hollywood seems to be sending a message that children do not need male role models. Do you agree? Are these “stars” sending a good message to the young adults who admire them?

I’m torn on this in a couple of ways. I think a lot of the “male role model” bit is overdone, an extension of gender roles from the past, and something we’re well quit of. Katherine doesn’t need a male role model to teach her how to hold down a job, or keep up the yard, or the variety of other things that Margie does just as well as I do.

On the other hand, I do think that male children do go through developmental times when they identify most with a male, and having a father around at that point is pretty important. That’s not socialization and culture, that’s biological.

And, finally, though it doesn’t touch on the idea of male role models, I do think that kids do better in a two-parent household — if for no other reason than that it’s an overwhelming job for two parents, let alone a single one. That’s not a slam against single parenthood per se, just a pragmatic observation. Frankly, from that perspective, I don’t give a fig for what gender those parents are, just that there are enough of them to provide the care and attention and nurturing that children need.

5. Do you think the absence of a loving, caring father in the life of a child could have any influence on their sexual preferences when the child grows up?

No. I think said absence will reduce the role models for a child in how to be a loving, caring parent (and/or spouse) when they find themselves in that role, but that’s all.

6. Was there ever a time when your father became “uncool.” Or maybe embarrassed you?

Not really. But I was never “cool” myself, as far as that goes, and neither were most of my friends, so it didn’t make that much difference.

7. Are you ever too old to kiss your Dad?

Nope.

BONUS: When you coming home, dad?

I’ll be out of here in about 45 minutes, Kitten. I have to stop and pick up my new glasses on the way, but … hey, what are you doing on the Internet, Little Girl?