Thanks Big Daddy AZ

For the sake of those who still do not know how to find their way around a blog... I'll post yesterday's comment from BigDaddyAZ

Michael,

Last week my 12-year old son came home from football practice and said one of the coaches said something that made him uncomfortable.

Apparently the coach (who I don't really like because all he does is yells at the kids) was telling the players (11 & 12 year-olds) to "rest up on Friday nights, don't stay up late watching television, playing videos games and looking at porn on the Internet...{insert laughter}."

Idiot coach.

Can you believe it?!! He said this to a bunch of kids.

Needless to say, it provided another opportunity for me to talk to my son about "uncomfortable" things. He's such a good kid.

Love the blog. Keep up the good work.

BigDaddyAZ

Man, I cannot believe that guy is permitted to be around children! Was this the first time your son even heard the term 'porn'? What did you say to him, what would you other guys say to your sons? What would you do about such a coach who is around children? Talk about child safety! I'll try to come up with what my response would be - but what about you other men? More later. And, by the way, BigDaddyAZ, THANKS for posting a comment. It helps me know I'm not making this effort alone.

Finding Your Way

Most men I talk with - when they were young guys they were patted on the back and wished 'Good Luck' son - now go be a man. As if part of becoming a man is figuring it out on your own. Problem with that is these days 'sonny' isn't out working in the field with Dad and Grandpa and Uncle Jim. So what does he see? Video games? What does he google? God help us. Any Dad's, Grandpa's, or uncles out there feel free to give advice for the young men-to-be who happen across this page.

Mine for today is this: Finding your own way means watching the examples of the men in your family and seeing what does and doesn't work. Don't waste a single minute punishing those who were not there for you as you might have hoped. Get over it. Become a man by forgiving and by looking for the good in some of the worst situations.

More later. Gotta go.

Hero Dad of 7 sons...

Here's a story for you fathers or fathers-to-be. I was just reading about Thomas Vander Woude in an email five minutes ago... and had to post it while I had the chance. One of the qualities that describe a great dad is selflessness and this quality can only reach maturity in service to others, be they our wives, parishioners, or our children. I'm still working on that quality in myself. I've heard it before and I've said it before: "It's easy to sing and speak or blog about this stuff - but it is another thing altogether to live it out. Thomas Vander Woude probably did not think twice about saving the life of his son. Seems like there was no question but to act. God bless him and God bless his family.

I don't know about you but sometimes I can get so preoccupied about the technical side of life - maybe it's a just a guy thing or maybe just a lack-of-prayer thing. We have so many distractions. Tonight Mr Woude calls me to ponder how I care for my children and how much I am willing to lay down my own life for the sake of theirs.

I hear about some dads who focus on their own hobbies to the detriment of their families - I'd rather be more like Mr Woude.

Old School Ideas

My son Joseph is 12 and wants to know when he can date a girl. The issue came up this week when his friend at the Walworth County Fair here in Wisconsin introduced Joseph to his girlfriend. (!?) Hmmmmm. I said "No." You can ask a girl to go on a ride at the fair but you can't ask her to go on a date.

Dare I ask readers of this blog your thoughts are on this topic?

My view is really old school. My view is SO old school I want to tell Joseph he can court a girl he hopes to marry, but no dating. That ought to get a few comments. I'm up for it. Agree. Disagree. Whatever. But those readers who have not answered the most basic questions that made me start this blog, when are you gonna get typing?

I KNOW there is a need here. The challenge of guiding a son from boyhood to manhood is huge. Meanwhile I will add to this blog as God and time and internet access allow.