Star Wars Meme
(This poem is about fathers. It was written during my time as a stay-at-home father, which got me some criticism. So, I thought about the different ‘schools’ of being a father that people threw my way. It felt like I was being told to be one and not the other unless I wanted to be a failure. This caused a lot of stress. Sadly, I see fathers still get the same treatment today.)
We are fathers
The sires of spawns
Who stay
To nurture
And provide
And protect
We are the same
Struggling
And working
Forging a bond
That many mothers
Take for granted
It is a difficult battle
Balancing our roles
To provide and protect
While making sure
We are more
Than wallet and shield
We fight amongst ourselves
Sniping an ‘unworthy’ father
It shows our unbalance
A strict provider
Mocks a strict protector
Both assault the motherly nurturer
Should I apologize
Deem myself a failure
For not following
The Path of Fatherhood
That you chose
. . .
. . .
No
Legends of Windemere 
A friend of mine is a homeschooling dad. His wife has a high position at a publishing house. I’m sure he’s heard some criticism from people who just want to meddle.
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That has to be tough. I can’t imagine homeschooling being added to what I was doing. I have enough trouble just getting him through homework.
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That’s brilliant. I admire parents who homeschool.
It can be challenging for a relationship if the woman earns more though. Probably most because of men’s ego (speaking from experience).
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I don’t know why people feel the need to condemn others for doing the right thing by their kids.
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Because many in society still think men aren’t good at raising children. At the very least, men are inferior to women and are more like babysitters.
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A super poem, Charles. I was a stay-at-home dad for a year and loved it.
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It’s a great way to bond with kids. Wish every parent could do it for a year at least.
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It would be terrific if they could
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I appreciate your share and poem, Charles.
I cherish the time I had when my son was young and I stayed with him a lot of the time (was only working part time then). Even more so now that his mom and me are separated.
I don’t think it’s healthy from a standpoint of bonding and parent-child-relationship to have parents spend most of their time at work and little time with their children. I like Dr. Gabor Mate’s views on the matter.
It might be the norm for many people but that doesn’t mean it’s good.
I work with a lot of fathers who cherish every moment they can get with their kids. Divorce can put things into perspective…
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I agree. I was lucky to be a stay-at-home parent for a few years. Then, his mom and I divorced, so I don’t get as much time with him as I used to. Makes it feel like I have to cherish the times and make them count even more these days.
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