The best thing about being a father

I would say the greatest thing about being a dad is how the mundane is never that. Simple things like reading a bedtime story, watching a movie or raking the lawn are always an adventure. Before having children I thought my life was complete. Now I don't know how I filled my time. Every day is new and different and that's what makes being a father great!
--Peter Camp, father of Sophie, 4, and Hugo, 2

What I like most about being a father is that I am reminded again and again of the wonder that is this world. For my son, everything is new and everything must be explored with all his senses. And I am grateful and honored to guide and to encourage him as he sets out on this great journey of discovery that is his life.
--Marc Reppin, father of Alexandre, 21 months

For me, the best thing about fatherhood is the small moments of genuine connection of emotion. For instance, the innocent joy on my boys' faces and sound of their laughter is priceless when I decide to be a little boy myself and join in their races to the car. At the same time, I feel an extremely powerful bond when they share their sadness with me. Last year at Christmas, for example, my older son told me in a genuine, heartfelt way that he was a little sad I didn't buy him a particular sweater he wanted. He wasn't behaving spoiled, just open and honest, and that means a lot to me.
--Jason Kay, father of Noah, 12, and Jacob, 9

Fatherhood to me is the other half of the parenthood team, taking equal responsibility for the upbringing of my kids. Spending quality time with my children from birth, be it spending time together walking them to school, reading or now listening to them read at night. Small things count, like taking an interest in what TV they watch and still taking them grocery shopping where they can suggest what they want for their school lunches. Being a part of their lives now means they will later want to be part of yours. I love my kids (and the whole team).
--John Edney, father of Sarah, 12, and Nadine, 9

What I love most about being a dad is experiencing the many moments when, without warning, I become completely overwhelmed by the happiness my son brings to my life. These are moments that you don't expect -- when he's sleeping in a contorted position, when he reveals his unique personality in a spontaneous comment, when he's scared about seeing a fuzzy mascot.
--Scott Evans, father of Elliot, 2

The best thing about being a dad started the day my son was born. My son Samuel Bruce Hopkins is 10 now and is growing up into a mini version of myself. But the one thing I look forward to every day is when I arrive home from work and my son is waiting at the top of the stairs for me and gives me a big hug and tells me he loves me.
--Graham Hopkins, father of Samuel, 10

(Celebrate Dad with a feast fit for a king!)

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