Parenting Resources for Fathers

Before you continue: 

This post has 196 words. 

On average, it will take you about 2 minutes to read.

Our family successfully created a rites of passage program for our son. Download your free copy of, A Rites of Passage Framework.

In this short, concise eBook I outline key components of the rites of passage program I custom designed to fit our family values and our son. 

A short read I hope, at the least, the eBook gives you concrete ideas you can use immediately as you design your son’s rites of passage program. 

When I first began my blog I visited many other blogs most surrounding the topic of manhood and fatherhood. 

As a way to expand your viewpoint on manhood and fatherhood I invite you to visit these sites from my blog roll. We all have different perspectives on manhood, fatherhood, family and these blog and website owners are no different. But often times we find ourselves having more in common than differences. And we can all learn something from one another. 

Enjoy your exploration of these sites.

African American Dad; Art of Manliness; Black and Married with Kids; Book Dads; Fatherhood; and Dad-o-Matic.

Comment and let me know what other online resources you frequent relating to manhood, fatherhood, parenthood, and family.

Peace,

Has the Rites of Passage Ended?

Before you continue:

This post has 375 words.

On average, it will take you less than 4 minutes to read.

Life Shifts

My son has turned 18 and will graduate from high school in a few months. During the holidays I had a conversation with a cousin of mine. He talked about shifts—how, when we move from one stage or phase of our lives into another. I had not framed it that way but my son moving into the next part of his life is a shift for us as parents. So, what do parents do when the rites of passage ends?

Stop Living in Denial

I thought a good deal about this question, prompted by the conversation with my cousin in December. To some degree I was in denial—thinking that my son moving on would not affect me. Now, I know otherwise.

So much energy is bound up in seeing after our children that it is inevitable a hole forms once they are no longer under roof. Though I am excited for my son, I know I will miss him. In fact, many in our circle of friends and family will miss him incredibly. So what’s next for us as parents, for me as a father?

Parenting Never Ends

Well, parenting never stops. I always think of myself at my son’s age. I vividly recall how much support and guidance I still required in my late teens and early twenties from the caring adults around me. Though I feel my son is better positioned than I was by eighteen he will still need wise counsel. The formalized rites of passage may be over, but continued guidance remains constant. He may need us less but he will still need us.

Manhood Training Continues

I have been open with my son, letting him know there is a great deal of information I cannot teach him due to my ignorance. I have encouraged him to continue seeking out mentors—older, wiser men that are willing to continue his responsible manhood training by example or through friendships. In that vein his rites of passage program will last a long time. To all other dads out there take comfort in the parenting you have done; because the proper foundation has been set, all else will be as it should. No need to fear the shift ahead.

Peace!