I just read the Living with Children post from April 29 and this is one of the most absurd things I’ve ever heard! Are you kidding me?? “present yourself as a leader”? I realize parenting is a huge responsibility, however, it’s not a business. Have we gone so overboard with analyzing that we now have to second guess the high five of encouragement & celebration?? It is possible to be a good, respected leader while having a…brace yourself…RELATIONSHIP with your child. We’ve had enough standoffish, cold, business-like relationships with fathers and kids.  We need hands on dads who give a darn enough to high five their son or daughter;  to jump up & down with them over a great report card and to get out there and play some ball, for heaven’s sake!!

Life is about leaving a legacy and you do that through meaningful relationships.  I’ve never been to a memorial where a child (or friend or family member) said “he was so special because he presented himself as a good leader…he only played ball with me on occasion”.  It’s the compassionate, loving, hands-on, RELATIONAL person that leaves a lasting legacy, impacts lives and inspires us to reflect on our own life.  The one’s who are willing to go out after a long day or week at work and throw the ball around, regardless of how exhausted he is.

I love and respect my dad, not just because he’s a successful business man and leader (although I do respect & admire these qualities), but because he’s a dad that still gives me a high five, isn’t afraid to say “I love  you”, plays ball with his grandkids and sees his baby granddaughter every day at lunch!  THAT is a real man…THAT is a man worthy of praise and respect.  THAT is what a good father is made of!  I’ll take my high-fiving dad over the non-relational, business-like dad ANY DAY!!!

Seems to me that Dr. Rosemond was in need of that relationship and didnt’ get it!