[pizzafeelsright]

Raising children and watching others raise them, I compare notes in detail.

I recently had an outing where I was the only "active" father. I had a dozen children begging for my attention. They were cutting in line to engage with me. Other fathers looked on. They all knew my tricks, jokes but I was the only one engaging.

I do not hear about a father figure. Did you have one and they did not?

I ask because while single moms may put in the effort the results are inconsistent. I had a mostly absent father but his direction and instruction kept me grounded. I didn't thrive until a new father figure encouraged me and helped me see my potential.

[devbent]

> I recently had an outing where I was the only "active" father. I had a dozen children begging for my attention. They were cutting in line to engage with me. Other fathers looked on. They all knew my tricks, jokes but I was the only one engaging.

On occasion I'll go to the park to play with my son and other kids will start following us around and sometimes even come up and ask if I can also toss them around. (Sorry, no can do!)

Being a parent is a full contact sport. :D

It is sad so many adults are either unwilling or unable to engage with kids.