Three Signs You’re Dad Material

Many men in today’s post-industrial age like to read. Some like to read about the history of the Roman Empire. Others want to read manuals on rebuilding the transmission on an ‘88 Mustang. I like to read thrillers, biographies, sports books and self-help materials.  

One of my favourite things to read and contribute to is discussions about fatherhood. In a forum recently, I read a post from a man stating that his girlfriend wanted to start a family, but he did not because “he didn’t make enough money” and “wouldn’t be able to set up a trust fund for his kids”.

This made me sad for two reasons. Firstly, I know a LOT of dads and have never heard the words trust fund outside of Bruce Wayne. Secondly, as a veteran father ™, my kids not having a trust fund ranks just after “my kids can’t fly using aerosol cans like Jerry O’Connell in My Secret Identity” in things I worry about on their behalf. 

 

Here are three actual signs that you are dad material:

1. Other people matter to you. Maybe you have a dog. Or have a friend from childhood who is struggling that you check in with weekly. Perhaps you visit Grandma every week. Caring for others is sign number one.
2. You have emotions. You cried when Chris Gardner got the job offer in The Pursuit of Happiness. You sobbed when they put down Marley in Marley and Me.  You’re a real human being.
3. You have your life and spending priorities in check. No one NEEDS a trust fund. But you’re not using one credit card to make the minimum payment on another credit card, and you’re not out until 3 am running up $200 bar tabs three nights a week while dodging your landlord in the hallway for unpaid rent. 

 

When my wife and I were expecting #1, we saved up $20,000 for less income and more expenses. We said yes to every free baby item, and entertainment was walking around the neighbourhood with coffee. We finished maternity leave with $23,500. 

Kids need a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, and love. Lots and lots of love. That’s it.

 

Jeremy McCall is a married father of 3, a social services case manager, and known as “The Dadfather”, being the founder and Past President of Dad Club London.