Getting a Woman Pregnant Does Not Entitle a Man to Claim the Title of "Father"

Getting a woman pregnant does not entitle a man to claim the title of Father any more than giving birth entitles a woman to claim the title of Mother.

Earning the title of Father involves always striving to provide the child for whom you share responsibility an example of how to live a good life through actions, not words. The adage "Do as I say not as I do!" doesn't cut it.

Reward a child when they have earned it and punish them when they deserve it. Do memorable things with a child as often as possible. This often means having to do what they want rather than what you would rather be doing. Those memories will remain with them long after you are gone. Listen to them when they need to talk. Talk to them when they need to listen. Most of all, never stop loving them. Sometimes they will do or say something that makes loving them difficult, but you must do it anyway. Children need love the most when they least deserve it.

For those of you who have truly earned the title of Father, I salute you on this your special day. Happy Father's Day!