Thursday, June 10, 2010

Am I a Good Father?

Well my first Fathers Day is quickly approaching. I look back at the past 10 months and wow time has sure gone by fast. It seems like just yesterday we were in the delivery room laying my eyes on her for the first time. Louisa is a great mom and from time to time she will give me grief about needing to help out more around the house.

The biggest problem is the extra curricular activities that keep me out of the house in the evenings. I have been very active in both the Knights of Columbus and Scouts. Louisa is with Bethany all day while I am at work and she looks forward to me coming home after work to give her a break. So it is no wonder that she doesn't like me being out so much.

So I decided to make some changes to make sure that I am around a little more. For the Knights of Columbus I have taken on a different position on the executive, one that doesn't involve as much work at home. No more writing up the minutes and no more doing the Rosarium (council newsletter). Also with my new position if I am unable to make it to the meeting I won't feel that I am letting the council down as my new position isn't as key.

And for Scouting I have tendered my resignation as the Group Commissioner. This was a tough one as Scouting is so very dear to me. But I had to be honest with myself, that I am not really able to commit the amount of time necessary to do a proper job. So I did what was necessary and I stepped down. I hope to be able to stay involved in some capacity, we will see.

Parenting involves sacrifices and up until now I havn't had to make many but the time has come that I make sure I have my priorities in order.

I came across a survey at www.fathersforgood.org titled Am I a Good Father?

Here are the questions:

Answer each of the following statements honestly in relation to your fatherhood, placing one check for each statement to indicate: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.

This is not a scientific survey, and no one else will see your test score. It is designed to help you think about some important fatherhood issues and how you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Have fun, and learn.


I practice what I preach *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I pray with my kids, and for them *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I regulate TV time for my kids, and myself *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I avoid any use of porn *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


They know they can come to me with questions *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I look at their report cards *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I set clear and consistent rules *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I control my temper when disciplining *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I listen and not just talk to my kids *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I am home for family dinner *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I respect my wife and show affection *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


My kids feel safe and secure with me *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


They know I am fair yet firm *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


I say I love them in word and deed *
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree


Thank you for completing this self-assessment. In general, those who are walking the path of the good father will answer mostly “Strongly Agree” and “Agree”.