In the last month our family has gone through a challenging transition. Jacob, our last of three, entered kindergarten, all our children are in new schools, and Jill started back teaching. Though I’m the only one not in a school, I have been learning not to be an oblivious dad. Just when I think I’m doing pretty well, another wide open plain of needed growth in this area lies before me…
Jill is teaching algebra, geometry, and general math in an inner city middle school. Probably more than half of her students are African American, and regardless of race nearly half are living with a single parent. She daily asks for prayers of anyone willing to offer one for her and her mission.
Meanwhile our children are experiencing more of dad’s awareness of their daily needs–to many concerns, programs, daily lunch money or prep and homework, I have been traditionally a skosh oblivious. Things like sports–I’m coaching all three in soccer this year–and formally trying to pray and read the Bible with my kids are more naturally on my mind, but it’s those daily concerns of a child’s life that I constantly have to remind myself to connect with. And with Jill now teaching, I’ve needed to take that torch more.
The Lord is so very good to us and all is well, but we would appreciate your prayers in this transition. Even for the guy who is learning out of school to be more aware of those around him. Is dad awareness something all men fight uphill to conquer?
[comments imported from my Radio blog]
“Dad awareness” is a good term. I think in our important world with our big problems it is hard for us to see our children’s lives from their perspectives. Thanks for being a part of a powerful minority … Dads who care about being good dads.
John Dobbs • 8/24/04; 3:18:59 AM #
hey Greg, my husband and I have had this very same conversation. I also went back to work and I had always stayed on top of all the kids’ needs. My husband and I have very different styles and I had to learn to back off and let him do in his own style. Very hard for me to do and many times I lapse into my complaining mode. Just keep your antennae up and try to be aware of all the little stuff. Ask every day to see their backpack and check for any correspondence from school…and make sure you read it all. That can save lots of headaches later. I know that you are a great dad. Shared stories about you this summer with Mark and Marnie….they love you! grace, Julie
julie danley • 8/25/04; 2:56:00 PM #
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