Grace on Father’s Day

I’m suggesting a bit of grace this Father’s Day.

I’m putting this out there for you (moms) to share.

Many fathers will have a bittersweet day today. Some say our society has pushed noncustodial fathers aside while picking their pockets. I’m not sure that is an accurate viewpoint, though I do know that those fathers who struggle to pay child support may not be appreciated, may even be considered to be “Dead Beat Dads.”

I know you may be sad if you don’t see your kids often because they live with their mother.

I know you may not have been able to pay child support regularly.

I know you may not know how to reach your children or to have a relationship.

These are my “What If’s” for the dads who find it next to impossible to provide the child support. This is NOT for those who just bought a new boat or who evade paying for their children’s clothes, shoes, and food not to mention a roof over their head.

What If?

• You let your children know that you are honored, maybe even proud to be their dad?
• You offered to take your child for a meal – just for time together?
• You took them to buy a new pair of shoes?
• You took to a park?
• You took them for a walk on the seashore?
• You made this day about them?

You can make a memory today. Never, ever give up being your child’s dad.

Gail raised three children as a single mother before she remarried. She has experienced the potholes, pests, and perils of being the single head-of-household. As an educator in regular and special education for twenty years she knows a great deal about child development and how to handle kids. She is the founder of SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. She is a Certified Professional Coach and her stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. Her book, Living Learning Loving is available on CreateSpace, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble online.