This piece ran in the Arizona Republic previously. Maybe you missed it, or enjoyed it and would like to forward it to a new dad this father’s day?

“Dads learn easily, from the kids”

By

Gerry Niskern

We all know that new dads have a lot to learn. They catch on easily however, because they have the best teachers in the world; their kids!

From the time they hold their first baby, who is giving them that piercing “so you’re my dad “ stare,  they start thinking that maybe  this dad stuff is going to be a tough gig.

However, later on, at home, Dad is soon able to detect a hungry cry from a “give me some attention” noise. He also learns to remember if it’s his turn to get up. He finds out real quick that you can’t hurry the process, Junior doesn’t tolerate shortcuts; change diaper, give bottle, get burp up, change diaper again, then fall back into bed at last.

First time father’s love to put their little girl or boy into a toddler seat on the front of their bike and ride for hours.

As time goes by, dads learn another important lesson from their children. Some fathers make a lot of money and some are not paid what they are worth, but kids value the commodity all kids have an equal amount of: time.  They learn they need to care enough to spend that precious time just talking, sitting, watching his favorite football team and paying attention or just doing nothing together.

If dads learn their jobs well, they will look around someday and realize their offspring  have become pretty terrific adults. And of course the kids are relieved. They can get on with their lives. After all, they taught him all they could.

Then, one day, when dad receives a phone call, “Could you watch Junior for a couple of hours?” Grandpa’s ready. He was trained by the best.