Fatherhood has changed a lot over the past few decades, especially when you turn on the television. But we’ve learned a lot from our television dads. Which TV father best represents you?
Charles Ingalls (without the prairie)
Forget the throw-away lifestyle the rest of the world lives, you teach your kids to build from scratch and fix things when they break. You might not have extra money to spoil your kids rotten, but you sing to them on a regular basis and tell them you love ‘em — and that’s even better.
Mr. Cunningham (without the Fonz)
Every time you turn around there’s another teenager drinking pop from your fridge or showing up at your dinner table uninvited. It’s annoying as heck, but you’re happy your kids hang out in the living room instead of God knows where.
Don Draper (without the women and booze)
Your kids know who’s paying for braces, college, weddings — and everything else. Sure, you don’t have time to coach Little League, but you show up for the important stuff.
Mike Brady (without the perm)
DNA is overrated. It doesn’t matter what your kids call you; everyone knows you’re a bonus. Time, money, love, attention — you give your all. Plus, you have the coolest house on the block.
Danny Tanner (without the helpful uncle)
Single parenting wasn’t part of your plan, but you’ve learned to French braid and sew on Cub Scout patches with the best of them. Your house is full and your days are crazy, but somehow you muster energy to read bedtime stories every night.
Commander William Adama (without the Battlestar Galactica)
Sometimes it feels like you’re trying to communicate to your kids from outer space. Sure, you haven’t been very close these past few years, but it’s not because you aren’t an honorable guy who loves his kids more than anything. Contrary to popular speculation, you are not a robot. You’ve got feelings too.
Phil Dunphy (without the impressive cheerleading skills)
You’re fun and sweet. You think you’re hip. You’re hashtagging this, and tweeting that. Sure, you’re not thrilled about driving a minivan but it’s real handy for carpooling to swim practice. Your ringtone is set to maximum volume because you are always available.
The Man in the Yellow Hat (without the monochromatic wardrobe)
Running, sailing, hiking in the woods; you take your little monkey everywhere. When curiosity rips wallpaper or the bathtub floods the house with water, you take a deep breath and channel your Love and Logic training — always remembering to be heavy on the love. True, your supervision skills could be stronger, but at least nobody accuses you of helicopter parenting. Who’s up for some doughnuts?
A note to kids of all ages
Friends, one day a year isn’t enough time to celebrate all that dads do. If television has taught us anything it’s that kids need fathers more than ever. Small screens are fun. Real life is better.
Today, let’s make sure Dad gets first dibs on the remote.
Jennifer Bardsley is an Edmonds mom of two. Find her on Twitter @jennbardsley and at www.heraldnet.com/ibrakeformoms and teachingmybabytoread.com.
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