They weren’t always easy to learn
Build Your Lead Dad Network. Without sounding like some late-night 1980s huckster, the Lead Dad Network is essential. I’ve found it to be lonely otherwise. We all need to know who we can trust. No false prophets, no C players. We want to find Lead Dads who can help with our kids, make work connections or just be fun to hang out with. Let’s share what we know. I know a lot about personal finance from my previous career as a journalist. But I’d like to learn more about Lead Dadding in the teenage years and beyond. I’m clueless there. I’d also love to hear people’s thoughts on how Lead Dadding has changed over the past two years of Covid. For me, it’s gotten both easier and harder at the same time.
Embrace This Role. I’ve never lied about being a Lead Dad, but it’s only recently that I’ve begun waving the Lead Dad flag. I wasn’t secure enough five years ago to say I was the Lead Dad first, and a New York Times columnist second. I regret hiding the dual role I was living. It’s one of the things that makes me so passionate about wanting to bring Lead Dads together. What we do should be seen as normal a role as a dad commuting to work.
Be Open – and Laugh Along with Others. Think the school is going to call you first? Not a chance. Same with the pediatrician and don’t get me started on the dentist. Aiming to make friends on the playground? You’ll be alone unless there’s another Lead Dad there. But there are more Lead Dads out there than you think. Plus, the way we work, parent and live has changed: no matter how much some employers may be pushing return to work, the world of 2019 is never coming back. That means there’s an opportunity for fathers who could not have been a Lead Dad before to get more involved. So, be open about what we’re all doing. We’re all in this together.
