17 Jun Dad’s Voice: Dads’ Roles in Protecting Our Kids
By Jon Abreu
Dad’s are many things. They’re silly. They help us play out our wildest adventures. We laugh at them when they wear goofy “dad shoes.” They dry our tears. They’re our loudest supporters, our superheroes, and so much more. But, one quality that often gets overlooked, is their role in protecting and keeping kids safe.
We sat down with one awesome Kentucky dad to hear his experience about being “#1 DAD.” Check out our conversation below.
What is it like being a new dad and step dad?
“Being a new dad is fun, but super challenging especially because you’re sleep deprived. Being a stepdad is also fun, but challenging in a different way. You take the role of a second dad which is still a big role, especially for me, because I didn’t even have one dad and he’s got two now.”
What has been helpful/supportive?
“Patience is probably the biggest advice that I get and that’s good, and taking walks outside by myself.”
Are you comfortable asking for help? If no, why not? If yes, who have you turned to for help?
“I like asking for help because I know if I don’t ask for help, then I get stressed out a lot, or my wife does. I turn to my family for help and we usually ask the grandparents to help out. The grandparents are the best!”
How do you manage co-parenting?
“Managing [the] co-parenting is doing OK. It’s a little challenging because there’s different views sometimes. You have to make sure you are all on the same page when it comes to kids, because they need routine.” 
Patience, understanding, and asking for help are ways to avoid stress and can help ensure parents’ needs are being met. When we as parents take care of ourselves, we can better help ensure that our kids are cared for, safe, and thriving. So, this weekend, when you’re celebrating dads, granddads, stepdads, foster dads, and other father figures, remind them of how awesome they are at keeping their kiddos safe! Check out this video for some amazing reflex clips of dads doing what dads do best – always staying one step ahead for their kids (and maybe having a few laughs along the way haha)!