Stereotypical Ads

I keep looking at all the ads for Father's Day, and it gets me to thinking about all of the long lasting stereotypes out there about gender.  The gifts for dads are always things for grilling, hunting, fishing, sports, etc.  Just last month we were inundated with ads for moms and Mother's Day.  Those ads were for the stereotypical girl things like flowers, candy, pictures of kids and family.  I know (as I'm sure you know) many people who do not fit into these traditional stereotypes.  It seems that there are fewer and fewer people who fit into these traditional roles, and yet we still look at dolls for girls and trucks for boys.  Is advertising and marketing so far behind and stuck in a rut, or have we really not changed so much after all, are we still really locked in this antiquated mindset based on gender?

Let's Talk About Men

With Father's Day approaching, I'm thinking about the male role models in my life.  So let's talk about men, or perhaps male figures.  The role of men in relationships these days is very different from when I was growing up.  The traditional role was that of breadwinner, disciplinarian, top dog.  Things have changed a lot.  There is substantial overlap in the roles of men and women in families now.  That's a great thing.  People now seem more free to choose the path they want for themselves.  Anyone can stay at home and parent, go out into the workforce and work, and sometimes do both.  It's great to see more and more dads becoming more and more involved in their family's life.  It's crucial for both parents to be involved in their children's lives.  I have tried very hard to be as involved in my child's life as I possibly can.  The enjoyment I get out of sharing life with my son has been beyond my wildest imagination.  The rewards of parenting are absolutely unmatched by anything else.  I am so grateful to have him in my life.

Two Dads

I'm lucky, I really have 2 dads.  I have my biological father, as well as a step-father.  I am close with both of my dads.  I feel blessed to have both of them in my life.

Father's Day is coming up. How has your father contributed to who you are?