Some applause for great dads

Gone are the days of dad working all day to come home to a pipe, slippers, and the evening paper while the kids sit waiting for dinner. This generation of fathers and step fathers are “all in” when it comes to child-raising. There’s more to a dad these days than little league coach. Men who play an active role in their children’s lives deserve a little recognition.

Whether they are baby-wearing or carpooling, more dads are helping care for families “in the home,” some even full time. According to the US Census Bureau there were 93,000 stay-at-home-dads in the United States in 2000. Fast forward to 2012 and they reported 189,000 stay-at-home dads and it’s not only moms at “Mommy and Me” anymore!

Dads who work in the home chase kids, hold babies, sing lullabies, clean messes, play taxi driver, and juggle after school schedules. They get stressed out, touched out, and overwhelmed. These guys need “me time,” too. What does he do for down time? Video games, hunting, fishing, workout, massage?

Stay-at-home-dads aren’t the only awesome ones, though. Many working fathers don’t take a break when they arrive home but dive right in to home life. Cooking, cleaning, and playing with the kids is more than “pitching in,” it’s a part of life with a family. More and more dads share in the sometimes exciting, sometimes mundane activities called life.

Weekend dads are important, too. Sometimes circumstances arise in which a family lives apart. Trying to pack a week’s worth of time into a weekend can’t be easy. Going from a full house to an empty nest every other week can have an emotional effect, especially if they live miles away.

What can you do for the special man in your life who shares your home, your children, and your life? You could find tickets to his favorite team’s game! Maybe there is a concert coming up he’d like to go to. Send him on a fishing/boating/hunting trip. Slip a massage gift certificate into the stack of homemade cards from the kids.

You can even make him a card yourself! Cutting and painting construction paper sounds fun and he’ll know you’re “thank you” is coming from the heart! #Fathers #Dads #Fathersday #gotkneads #gift #vitalkneads #massage

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if massage is appropriate for me?

Massage is often appropriate for general muscle tension, stiffness, recovery, and stress. New, severe, unexplained, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional first.

Does massage need to hurt to be effective?

No. Useful massage can be specific and firm without forcing your body to brace. More pressure is not automatically better pressure.

How often should I schedule massage?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your goals, activity level, symptoms, budget, and response to previous sessions all matter.

About the Author

Corey Richason, LMT, is the owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, Arizona. He has practiced massage therapy since 2001 and focuses on practical, results-oriented bodywork for pain, mobility, recovery, and stress. His approach is evidence-informed, individualized, and built around helping clients move and feel better without unnecessary hype.