Thank those who invest in your children

By David Eggebeen

During the past several months, while chaperoning the high school ski club, I have had the opportunity to hang out at Tussey Mountain with some teachers.

Teachers, like everyone else, spend time kibitzing, telling stories, griping, etc. But when the talk turns to their students, it is a different matter.

These teachers, who I suspect are typical, talk about your children with remarkable passion, dedication and professionalism. They are crazy about their students and about teaching. Reflecting on this, I realized that I, as a father, have been extremely blessed by a number of adults -- not just teachers but also coaches, youth pastors, day-care workers, school counselors, camp counselors, among many others -- who have invested time, energy and passion in my kids. I can see the legacy of their efforts in my grown children.

ACTION IDEAS:

• Think back to when you were a child. What adults had important influences on you? What did they do to positively influence you?

• Take the time to thank those who spent time with your children for their dedicated, hard work.

• Give to children. Look for opportunities to help other parents raise their children by volunteering in schools, coaching, helping with children's ministries at your church or just baby-sitting.

The local fathering effort, in cooperation with the National Center for Fathering, provides bi-weekly action ideas to stimulate conversation between fathers and children. For more information, or to join local conversations, contact

David Eggebeen at e5x@psu.edu

Mick Trombley at mick@apartmentstore.com

Robert Orndorff at rmo104@psu.edu

Marc McCann at 237-1719 or marc@thesecondmile.org