Sunday, June 15, 2014

Recovering Fathers

This Father's Day I reflect on TLC staff members who are fathers.

Some had children when they came to us. Others have children born after they came to recovery.

Many of these new fathers grew up in abusive situations. Maybe not physically abusive. But perhaps their fathers were absent or used drugs or drank. They provided little guidance about how to live. They were emotionally absent.

Even though they lacked good role models, they're doing a good job as fathers. And I think it's becauase they show their children love.  And parenting from love has a better chance of success.

The love shows in their behavior. They display pictures of their children . They're excited about family vacations. They’re enthused about their children's progress and what they're doing.

Because they're sober they're positive examples. Their children haven’t seen them drunk or high. They haven’t seen them in handcuffs. They don't see dad fighting with their mothers.

They’re on a different path, one founded in their recovery.  And the recovery spreads to their children.

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