Fathering Is Hard Work: According to the 6/10/03 issue of Family Circle magazine in its national poll of fathers finds:
· 94% feel building a family is the hardest and most important thing a man can do.
· 71% say fatherhood is more demanding than they expected, while 88% say fatherhood is more rewarding.
· 91% bathed, fed and changed their kids as babies.
· 67% define themselves as fathers first, and spouses or workers after that. 52% feel fatherhood is their true calling.
· 87% say the rewards of fatherhood trump those of career, and 89% approve of men leaving fast-track careers to spend more time with family.
· 85% help kids with homework, 87% help teach kids good values, 76% teach perseverance, and 68% teach financial responsibility.
· 86% feel appreciated by their kids. 72% have fun with their kids, while 61% help discipline kids.
· 95% know their kids’ birthdays and what foods they like, 87% know the names of their children’s doctors, 67% know the names of their teachers, 87% know what subjects their kids like, 69% know what their kids want to be, 82% know who their child’s best friend is, 73% know their kids’ biggest fears, and 54% know their kids’ clothing and shoe sizes.
· 90% say becoming a father made them want to be a better person and role model for their kids, while 75% feel a weight of responsibility now that they didn’t before.
· 67% say one of the main ways they show love for their kids is by doing things with them and encouraging hobbies and interests, while 48% say they show love through physical affection, by kissing and hugging them.
· 44% say fatherhood made them more religious or strengthened their belief in God.
· 79% feel they are good-to-excellent fathers, but don’t get credit for it. 74% feel dads don’t get the respect they deserve. (PWB 6/13/03)
http://garydfoster.com/