I always enjoyed attending All Pro Dad chapter meetings with my son and daughter. Not only was it a great way to spend time with my kids and start off the weekend, but it was also a good way to get to know other dads.
There is always a variety of dads at the meetings. Over time, I got to know many of them. Most of us had different jobs, different hobbies, and different opinions. But the relationships we built were invaluable. We learned things from each other that we couldn’t have learned if we hadn’t gotten to know different types of men. Here are 5 types of dads you should get to know.
1. The Dad of Your Kid’s Best Friend
This dad could potentially play a major role in your child’s development. His home will be a place where you drop off your kid for birthday parties, sleepovers and just to hang out. You need to know if it is a healthy environment for your kid or if you should have concerns and might need to limit your child’s exposure to them. Getting to know the dad is a great way to gain that insight.
My oldest daughter is now in college, and her roommate was the same girl she was best friends with in elementary school. Luckily, her dad is a fantastic guy. He is an excellent father and husband. His family has been a great source of support for my daughter over the years.
2. The Peer Dad
This is a dad whose child is in the same grade, playing on the same sports team, or involved in the same activities. Even if your kids aren’t close friends, you will see this dad often. He may be someone you can work with to carpool kids to and from events, communicate with to double check event start times, or just have casual conversations.
I’ve been fortunate to develop some quality friendships with dads I see at events, even though our kids aren’t in the same social groups.
3. The Different Dad
This is the dad who is different from you. He could have different life experiences, be a different ethnicity or religion, or have different political and social views. Generally, the more we get to know someone, the more we like and appreciate them. Getting to know this dad might help you to understand his viewpoints, even if you respectfully agree to disagree. It can also set a good example for your son or daughter to see that you can have friendships with a diverse group of individuals.
Over the years, I have enjoyed getting to know many different types of dads. Hopefully, this has set an example for my kids to value all people.
4. The Experienced Dad
This is the dad who has older kids. He’s been through it before. He’s seen it all. He may be someone you can go to when you question a parenting decision you are about to make or when you need advice on how to handle a difficult situation with your wife. This is the guy who has wisdom you don’t have yet and parenting advice that’s good for you because he’s already gone through what you’re going through right now.
I’ve been fortunate to know several experienced dads. They have been an invaluable resource for me in many situations.
5. The Rookie Dad
This dad is usually easy to spot. He looks a little unsure of himself. It’s his first time around. He may only have one kid or he may often have his younger kids with him. He provides an opportunity for you to share your knowledge and experience.
I have three kids. Now that I am going through things for the third time, there are lots of things I learned the first two times around. Now, I have the opportunity to be a mentor to the “rookie” dads.
Sound off: What other types of dads are good to know?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What are some things you like or appreciate about your friends’ dads?”