Judsen Culbreth, author of numerous books and articles on relationships, recently published this article “What Dads Are Made Of,” on 3 distinct ways that fathers contribute to their children’s lives.  Below is part of the article, but if you would like to read the entire photo on the original website, please click here.

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A Father’s Parenting Style
Will McAlpine, two and a half years old, likes to “help” his dad, Eric, in their suburban backyard in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. As father and son toss grass, leaves and rocks into a wheelbarrow, Eric points out different colors and shapes. Sometimes they pause during their chores to observe planes and clouds overhead. What they don’t pay attention to is the mess of mud on their shoes — or how they leave a trail of dirt in their wake when they enter the house.

David Pike of Charlotte, North Carolina, relishes reading to his three young daughters at bedtime. He reads familiar favorites like Goodnight Moon and Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham. Just as the girls’ mom, Katie, thinks David has the kids settled down, “a giggle fest erupts,” she says. Five-year-old Aidan begins pleading for David to “squirb” her (the family’s term for making funny sounds on their bellies). “Squirb me. Squirb me too,” squeals three-year-old Herron. By now everyone is wide awake.

Dad: He’s a mess-maker, rule-breaker, risk-taker. In general, he’s the opposite of Mom, the master nurturer, creator of law and order. But for all his mischief, Dad is doing something quite right. The same daddy-like interactions that sometimes annoy moms will significantly contribute to children’s social skills and success in school.”

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What does the daddy in your life do that is unique, something that no one else can do?

Your all-American baby will be adorably decked out in this Patriotic Stars & Stripes Baby Shortall.  Made from genuine flag bunting, this unisex outfit sports a navy blue field with little white stars embroidered on the navy field.  For easy diaper changing, this outfit features snap legs; and it makes a great baby shower gift or first birthday gift (sold in sizes 12-18 months and 24 months). Made in the USA, this outfit is spectacular for a little one ready to celebrate!

Throwing a graduation party? These graduation ducky party favors are fun and a great remembrance.  They squirt water out of a small hole in their beaks and will even glow in the dark.

The rubber duckies make fabulous little cake-toppers, but they also look great nestled on your tables.  If your party will take place in the yard and you don’t mind giving the grads a bit of little-kid fun, group the favors around bowls of water and see who will squirt water at whom first.

But don’t put these rubber duckies in the bath, as they won’t float upright.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson.  This nugget of wisdom by the American philosopher and poet is engraved on a classic-style cuff bracelet.  Give this What Lies Within Us Bracelet, a sterling silver bracelet, to someone of sterling character, someone who you have admired or who is starting a new epoch in life.

Your dog will be in style at the Memorial Day festivities with this adorable Dog Scrunchycollar.  Sheer fabrics in brilliant red, white, and blue are accented with little stars around this stretchy collar, which is elasticized to give your Best Friend a comfortable fit.  This collar is designed to fit a “medium” sized neck of 15” – 17,” and is perfect to make your dog ready to partake of any patriotic holiday.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Deluxe Edition (Classic Seuss)can inspire anyone who is entering a new phase of life – college, professional life, marriage, highschool – the sky’s the limit!   While Dr. Seuss’s books are popularly known as children’s books, this book can touch older people deeply.

Several years ago, I attended a luncheon for college seniors, and a professor read this book to the graduating class.  As I scanned the faces of the graduates there, I could see that they were touched by Dr. Seuss promises,” You’ll be seeing great sights!  You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.” Dr. Seuss also delves into the obstacles of life but ends the book with upbeat optimism.

For the mom who loves a good cuppa, this wooden chest of assorted teas is full of delights.  Eight different kinds of tea (including fruit teas, herbal teas, and traditional teas) are packed into this tea chest, made with secret blend recipes of the world-renowned Wissotzky tea merchants.  With this selection, your mom can enjoy a cup with whatever kind of tea she feels like drinking.

The teas are attractively arranged in a wooden tea chest, which you can easily decorate yourself with markers or paints.  Add your own meaningful Mother’s Day message that will make her smile every time she has a cup of tea.