The Father Factor

Growing up in the 50's and 60's, it was hardly surprising to be reared in a home where my father was the "breadwinner" and my mother stayed home caring for five children and the household. Although my father, Leo Popkin, worked long hours, his dedication to our family and the security of his love was always a source of strength, even after his untimely death.

Before sharing a memorable bio a reader had sent me about her extraordinary father, which seemed to epitomize everything about the celebration of Father's Day (Sunday, June 14th in the U.S.), here are a few interesting factoids about our dearest dads:

• One fifth of children in single parent families in the U.S. are living with their fathers, which is a growing phenomenon.

• Kids with engaged, loving dads have a significantly better success rate in school.

• Children whose fathers are thoroughly involved in their lives display more confidence, have a greater degree of self-control, can more readily handle frustration, become more empathic adults and engage in more pro-social activities.

I encourage all readers who would like to share adages, anecdotes, or memories about their fathers to email them to me. This is what Vivienne T. wrote:

"I thought that you might enjoy knowing about my father, Saul Goldstein. A German-born fugitive from the Nazis, he came to England, learned the language and culture, married my mother, a refugee from Austria, and made a new life. At age 82, they moved to Canada and began life anew in yet another culture, to be near their children (my brother and me) and grandchildren. After my mother died nine years ago, he was encouraged to return to University learning. At the age of 93 he graduated from the University of Toronto, earning a B.Sc. in Psychology with High Distinction. It made not only the Canadian papers, radio and television, but was carried in other countries, too. We have clippings that we cannot read in Chinese, Japanese and Russian, to name just a few! Dad was working towards a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, something that I, a teacher, had not yet done, when deteriorating health forced him to discontinue his much-loved studies last year. He passed away on 4th February, 2008, aged 97- that's what is called living! What a wonderful legacy he left for me, for my children and for my grandchildren."

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!