Associated Press
Play time may be over for soon-to-be President of the United States of America Barack Obama and his family, but his return to his island birthplace proved one thing: the man's got skills.
2008 brought the President-elect and his family: wife Michelle and daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 back to visit his former home of Honolulu, Hawaii not once, but twice. The first time, to mourn the loss of his Grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, and most recently for his last vacation before his January 20 Presidential Inauguration.
While there were many reports far and wide about how he spent his time golfing, visiting friends, and entertaining both the military and hoardes of onlookers, his past two visits show that he is not just a friendly and gracious gentleman and a local boy at heart, but a loving family man as well.
Here are the top five reasons that make Barack Obama (and any man for that matter) the right man for the (parenting) job.
Associated Press
#1. A good father spends quality time with his kids.
And not only does Mr. Obama spend time with his own children here, but he makes sure to include their playmates as well. On this day, President-elect Obama spent time with Malia, Sasha, and their two friends at the Honolulu Zoo.
Associated Press
#2. A good Dad enjoys sharing warm fuzzy feelings and nostalgic moments with his kids.
President-elect Barack Obama take his daughters and friend to order his favorite island dessert from Kokonuts Shave Ice and Snacks in Hawaii Kai.
Associated Press
#3. A good Daddy spends one-on-one time with each child.
Every parent knows that each child needs his or her own time with mommy or daddy and every child appreciates that their parents find their individuality exciting. Here, the soon-to-be President of the United States of America lovingly embraces his youngest daughter, Sasha.
Associated Press
#4. A good father knows how to have fun.
This is an often overlooked, but very important rule when it comes to child-rearing. Here, the President-elect shows his bodysurfing skills on the waves at Sandy Beach on Oahu's South shore in August, 2008.
#5. Did I mention that a good Dad knows how to have fun?
Dad shows 'em how it's done here in the water at Sandy's, a favorite place among "townie" surfers.
Associated Press
Comments
What are you crazy??? First of all if you are talking about a father, it should be "fathering skills". Secondly, fathers teach, and provide structure and discipline, not just "playing", that is the same as "mothering". The examples you give are great for either parent, but do not cover "fathering". Any moron can take his kids to the beach and buy icecream. That is more a role of the mother. They would have pleanty of time if they were not busy with thier carrers. Taking your kids to the beach is not specifically a mark of a good father. What kind of leadership does he provide? What values does he teach them? Does he set rules and goals? Does he provide structure in the home and does he provide a strong male role? How does he deal with thier issues? When he says he does not want them punished with a child, what does that mean? Does he teach them not to have morals?
Your peice was a superficial "puff" piece typical of reporters in love with Obama, stop being a stenographer and a cheerleader for Obama, and do some real in-depth work for a change. You will see it is not as it looks.
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