The True Strength Of A Daddy

This story is sponsored by Lunchbox and Dove Men+Care. #TrueStrength

My husband’s first meeting with our daughter was via video when she was a 1-year-old. He and I had been talking for weeks on the telephone after meeting at a conference, and we had decided to upgrade our communication to include Google Hangouts. Baby Ayva in all of her infinite baby wisdom knew I had plans for that evening, so naturally she decided not to go to sleep. When Terrence called, she was awake well past her bedtime, smiling and laughing and charming him at the same time. I guess in hindsight she might have been my secret weapon to snag my fabulous family man!

Terrence has grown into his role of father in many ways since that first virtual meeting. Back then he was just a friend, then involved into a male figure in Ayva’s life, then a guardian, and now he is Daddy. By the time he legally adopted Ayva last November, he had already solidified his place in her heart (and mine) as her Dad. After years of being a bachelor and not having to worry about anyone but himself, he’s now responsible for a little girl and everything that comes with that. The financial part is easy, and in some ways, so is the time commitment of being a father. Terrence works a regular M-F job, so he’s always able to spend a lot of quality time with both Ayva and me. The most challenging part about being a father, and the part that demonstrates the strength of his love for his daughter is how he takes care of Ayva’s emotional well-being.

Much more patient than me, and highly energetic, Terrence is constantly inspiring me to be a better parent. He’s the one that sits with Ayva every Sunday night and works through her homework for the week. He packs her lunch for school every day, and he always remembers to celebrate her accomplishments, big or small, with a trip to get frozen yogurt. The other day Ayva performed in a play with her classmates at school. Terrence wasn’t able to get off of work, but he came home with a bouquet of flowers and candy for her afterwards.

There is a myth in some communities that to be an effective parent, a father has to be feared. Dad has to be a strong leader that rules with an iron fist. Terrence proves that to be false. The true strength of a Daddy isn’t about what they do for their children, it’s about the things that they teach them, the time that they spend with them, and the way that they make them feel. Ayva and I are so grateful that Terrence demonstrates his true strength to us every single day.

Celebrate #TrueStrength With Dove Men + Care

How do you celebrate your guy’s true strength? This Father’s Day, how about pampering his softer side? Dove Men+Care #TrueStrength packs are available at Sam’s Club and make a great gift. Choose from a 32oz Fresh Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner, a 3-pack of Extra Fresh Body Wash, or a 12-pack of Extra Fresh Soap Bars and 5-pack of Extra Fresh Deodorant.