If you and your partner are expecting you are about to begin your parenting journey, your father journey. You will need to do the following things:

I have been doing wilderness hikes with my son for quite a few years now. I cherish the opportunity to spend those summer days exploring trails and vistas deep in Washington state’s national parks and wilderness areas.

It is virtually impossible to leave childhood without incurring some kinds of trauma.  There are some traumas that don’t easily fit into what most people think of as traumas, such as developmental trauma.

You don’t have to look very far to see “the immature masculine” or “toxic masculinity” rampant in our culture     Men commonly put down any sign of “weakness” or sensitivity in other men starting in boyhood and effectively police their behavior by shaming or bullying them. Being a “real man” gets equated with suffering pain, never showing vulnerability or any feelings besides anger.

Dad’s set the bar for what daughters will expect to get from their future romantic partners and male friendships.  The healthier the relationship is between the two of them the more likely that girl will grow up to have a healthy partnership with positive outcomes for all involved. Often times it is difficult initially for dads to know what daughters need from them in life. I hope the list below is of help.

Growing up today is challenging enough for kids, especially boys as they often lack healthy role models for how to be men. Hopefully they have a father that is there and has the following five qualities to share with their sons...