Not everyone has a wise dad of their own to call upon when advice is needed so we asked the dads of our Facebook community, from whom / where do you get advice on fatherhood? Here’s a sampling of what you told us about the place and the people you go to for advice on being a dad and raising kids.
Jim Manuel: I adopted an 85-yo gentleman while we were going through cancer radiation therapy together. It’s been almost 2 years now and we’ve become closer in that time than ever experienced in my own father’s 60 years he spent walking this earth. For the older dad’s among us: you’re never too old to have the wisdom, and yes, love from an older man.
Sam E. Garvin: Since my dad passed before I became a father, I’ve had nobody to give me advice when I’ve needed it. Normally, I just do the opposite of what my mother would have done and it works out. Still though, I wish I had a male with fathering experience in my life to guide me through the rough days…and to laugh with about the good days.
Kelly S. Siner: Hah… my dad. I just do everything he didn’t. His granddaughter is six days old today, he has yet to meet her. He lives five miles away and doesn’t work. Excuses, excuses.
Jason Cole: Well since my father passed away when I was 16, I source all of my advice from my brother and brother in law. Both have two children themselves so have been through most things between them.
Jacob A Cruz Sr.: I don’t know if you believe in a Spiritual advisor. It helps me. Most times if you sit and take a moment in life, fatherhood will come with answer only you can understand for your given situation. Be calm and listen.
John Douglas: I’ve always found confiding in my closest friends, the ones who are also parents to be my go-to move, I get sound, realistic and honest advice with a reality check often thrown in for good measure!
London Jeffrey Purser: I honestly try to figure things out for myself I kind of go with the trial and error sometimes I do perfect, sometimes I don’t.
Jesse Hughes: As a parent I feel like your best asset is your gut. Go with your gut. You know what’s best for your child. If your not sure, if you still have an influential person from your childhood around, seek their advice.
Josh Gélo: It was my pops, grandfather, but for the last five years, no one. Its tuff because there are alot of times I need advice but just don’t know where to go anymore.
Chris Doyle: My wife , she’s the greatest person I know and the best parent our children could ask for . So the example she sets I try to follow!!
Finally, the truth from Tristan Welch: I just kinda fluff my way through it. Then use Google when no-one’s looking. [“Ok, Google…”]
Where do you find the best advice on your own fatherhood journey? Tell us on Facebook.
*Flickr photo from Claudia Heidelberger, used under Creative Commons license.