You're Daughter is Turning 12.....Good Luck

In life we all go through some changes. But one of the most drastic changes that comes early in life is from when you go from your Tweens to your Teens. This is the case for girls big time. I've heard stories from friends and family who have had to go through changes with their daughters when they were becoming teens. What they always tell me.....Good Luck. Didn't know what that meant till my daughter had turned 12. It's been a crucial year being a father to a 12 year old because of the changes that they go through. In their minds, we don't understand. But it's our jobs as parents to understand. A part of you wants them to experience stuff on their own. But a big part of you wants them not to. You have to be there for your daughter no matter what. It's hard and it's going to be rough. This is only the beginning from what I was told. So I got to prepare myself for inevitable. One thing is to let your daughter know that they are not alone, but at the same time let them know that you are the father as well. They will get moody, they will get very emotional and we as fathers can't feed into that and take it personal. You can't let it beat you down and make you feel like you're a bad Dad. Right now is when your daughter would need you the most. Single dads, this is an important time because if there's not a mother involved at all, you're gonna have to work overtime. You have to play both parts. I am grateful to have my kid's mother in their lives (because they live with her of course). So it's an easier job, but still a challenging one. Don't let what people say get to you as well with the 'Oh, I feel sorry for you' or 'This is only the beginning'. Yes, it's going to be tough and sometimes you're going see things coming out of left field. But we as fathers are bigger than that and will rise to the occasion to be there for our daughters because I would rather my daughter come to me for anything about her changes than for her to go to a stranger. I'm her friend, but I'm also her father. Always let them know that. #Fatherhoodrules.

Got a Question....Contact The Fatherhood Rules Blog

Hey to all of you Dads out there (and to the curious Moms as well), if you have a questions about where you could take your child, or questions about Fatherhood in general, or just want some advice, feel free to contact me here on The Fatherhood Rules blog or you could shoot me an email: seandudley37@gmail.com. And don't be afraid to become a member of this blog. It's free and it won't bite. Well, your kids will though, Lol! So make this not only an advice blog about Fatherhood, but also you outlet as well. Hope to hear from some of you soon.

Get Your Weight Up......For The Kids

As fathers, we use our hands for many reasons. To carry our child when they are babies, or to put together their cribs (then later beds), or even to put together a bike for them. But our hands can be a vital point for when you child has a doctor's appointment that they don't want to go to. Especially if it involves needles. In a recent situation, I went to accompany my daughter to the foot doctor for a procedure. She never likes to go to there because she knows what to expect. Put it this way, so I won't have to explain the procedure, it did involve needles. So I felt that the only way she would feel better is if she would not look at the doctor while he's poking the needle and hold my hand. Now for those who have kids that don't worry about the needle, you'll have no problem in this department. But for us that do, be prepared because if you didn't know your own child's strength (especially my 12 year old), now you know. You might have to warm up your hands a bit, put it in like an arm wrestling position and good luck. Lol! Doesn't matter if it's your son or daughter, pain is pain. The first time caught me off guard and I had to pull away because my hands were getting crushed. But in time I got used to it because of the reason why I'm doing it. To make my daughter feel comfortable about it. That's why we are here, fathers. These are moments that our child will always remember, and you hand won't either. So get your weight up and work on those hands and be prepared. Don't say I warned you.

Free Comic Book Day

Every year for the first Saturday of May is Free Comic Book Day. It's a time where you can take your children to a comic book store where they can receive free comic books. In this situation, not only do the kids win with getting free books, but you win as well with the time spent with them. So take advantage and go out there this Saturday, find your local comic book store retailer and go get some book. The time spent with them is going to be well worth it all.