Hey Dads - lets get ahead of the game

Has anyone been paying attention to the economy? That is kind of a stupid question because it seems that we are all spending lots of time think about retirement funds, mortgages, food, our jobs, bills, etc, etc. I have to admit that I have been extremely preoccupied with what is happening, why it is happening, what is being done to fix it, and how we will weather the storm. I was at a party last week talking to a friend and I asked him the question "What do you think about what is happening in the economy". His answer surprised me . . "I have made an effort not to read about it and not to worry about it, so I don't have much to say." It made me think - maybe I am thinking too much about the wrong things.

Shortly after this conversation I was reading an article in USA Today that stated 10% of dads of 9 month olds had symptoms of clinical depression - which compares to a 5% measure for men the same age. The article goes on to connect the impact of a fathers depression on the development of his children. It got me thinking, with all of the new financial stress on new fathers, it is safe to say that likely that number has probably gone up. So, do we wait around for the next study to confirm what we already know?

Let's not wait. First of all, if you are a new father please realize that it is a tough time to be a father and if the stress is hitting you do something about it. For most of us, connecting with our spouse, friends, and whatever else we can do to put our worries in perspective is key. If you are in a position where your support network is not there look for some help through your health care plan, your church, your community organizations - just don't wait for the next study to confirm what we already know. A stressed out father has a negative impact on their children.

If you are a friend of a father, do some simple things to reach out to them. If you are uncertain how to start the conversation I wrote my book to be a bridge for you. on my website (www.momentsforfathers.com) I have included a copy of my entire book under the Excerpt menu item. Download the .pdf file and email to your friend or just print it out somewhere.

Studies are thought provoking, but why wait for the next one to confirm what we already know. Hey Dads - we will get through this - but we have to do it together.