👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Championing Fatherhood: The Crucial Role of Fathers in Building Strong Homes

Today in 5 minutes or less you'll learn:

• The importance of fathers in the family

• The fatherlessness epidemic facing America

• Resources to step up and make an impact

• A fun toy for the young boys in your family

This past weekend was the annual Fatherhood Festival at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I had the honor of participating over the weekend in the festivities and look forward to this event each year. If you haven’t attended and you’re a father in the area with young boys who love football I highly recommend checking it out next summer.

My friend, Justin Batt, does an amazing job putting on this event and bringing community leaders together to make a positive impact on families through the Daddy Saturday foundation.

The intent behind the fatherhood festival is simple: to encourage fathers and families to be intentional with their time together. Bring kids closer to their fathers, and father’s closer to their kids. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or fancy to be intentional.

Did you know there are 20 million children in America without a biological father in the home? In fact, 72.7% of the U.S population believes fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem facing America.

Former NFL linebacker and hall of famer Ray Lewis shares the impact fatherlessness had on his life in this video. It’s an inspiring and eye opening video behind the most feared man in football. In fact, almost every hall of famer during their enshrinement speech shares about the impact of fatherhood on their lives.

As a father to five young children that are all eight & under and a career to keep up with, I know how busy life can be. However, several years ago God put three young boys in my life and taught me how significant this epidemic truly is, and how important it is for fathers like myself in the community to step up.

These three fellas who are referred to as “the boys” in our family were able to attend the event again this year. I’m so proud of the young men they are growing into and grateful to be a part of their lives.

In order for the cycle to stop and change to happen, fathers in our community need to step up and fill the gap so that the young men in our community growing up without fathers have the opportunity to learn what it truly means to be a father. It takes intentionality and effort, and it will be challenging at times. However, it is so rewarding to be a part of their lives and it will give you a sense of purpose you have likely not experienced before.

I’m also grateful for amazing women like my wife, Megan, who encourage and allow their husbands the time to be away to pour into these young men. It’s absolutely a team effort, and sacrifice is required at times.

If you’re looking for a way to get more involved here are a few resources for you to check out.

• Fathers in the Field is an organization dedicated to defending the fatherless. If you’re a man that loves the outdoors and want to get involved by donating your time and/or money check them out. Or if you’re a member of a local church consider presenting this to your leadership to enroll as a member.

• If you’re looking for ideas to be more intentional with your kids pick up a copy of Justin’s book Daddy Saturday. He shares his story along with ideas and advice on how to make your time with your kids while they’re in the home intentional.

• Download the free e-book guide to mentoring fatherless children from the National Fatherhood Initiative.

Have a wonderful Father’s day weekend celebrating the importance of father’s in our families and communities. Let’s work together to end the fatherlesness epidemic in our society and build up brave kids and families that face the storm!

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the process of harvesting and butchering pasture raised chickens. While you can watch as many videos as you want on youtube, there’s no better way to learn something then jumping in and actually DOING IT.

We processed 180 birds over the morning, and learned so much. Not only did this help with understanding the process, but there’s something refreshing about joining together with other men and families to produce your own healthy food.

If you want to learn more about this entire process check out this YouTube video that does a good job of walking you through the steps.

Chicken labels are confusing today. Unfortunately, most chicken meat we buy at the store comes from birds shot up with hormones and raised in unsanitary environments. That’s why it’s becoming even more important to find ways to raise healthy food on your homestead or purchase it from a local farmer.

Next year on Silver Lake Bison Farm we’ll be taking these learnings and doing our own birds for the first time. We look forward to sharing that journey further with you.

Looking for something fun to do you with your children, especially boys 😀! The Gel Blaster Surge fires water based beads that burst on impact. “Think airsoft but with no pain, stain, or clean up. Bring the battle to the backyard with adrenaline packed fun for ages 9+.”

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