Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all fathers.

Its the day to remember the sacrifices you have made and the sweat you have put in to raise your children. I mean just look at you - working day and night, often against your will, submerging your desires to bring in finances, giving up your dreams to cherish the dreams of your children, why you deserve a big thank you!!

Today, things are even tougher for you. You have to figure out mind-boggling decisions - how much freedom to give your kids, how much to indulge them? The toughest nut to crack is how to instill good values and discipline in their minds without being preachy. Poor dad - how does he remain a figure his kids can look up to, yet not be intimidated by? Children today are miles ahead of you, you cannot demand their respect on account of position alone, you have to earn it.

The traditional roles of the father as the provider, and the lord and master of the house have undergone massive transformation. Also the father may not be the sole breadwinner anymore. A stay-at-home father has it twice harder to win over the confidence of his children. Societal norms are changing faster than you can blink. Today, you have to be a friend, but not someone your children can walk over. A confidant, a role-model, a protector, a counselor. All conflicting, contradicting roles.

To top it all, your kids will just leave you one fine morning to carry on with their lives. Then you are left with your empty nest, clutching memories of busier days left behind. Only look forward to an occasional meeting with them, when their busy schedule permits. Overnight the roles change, and you become the dependent one.

Tough times ahead for fathers, but we know our men will rise up to it. All the best fathers!!!