Why I Do What I Do: A Reflection on Fatherhood, Healing, and Hope

For more than three decades, people have asked me why I’ve devoted my life to working with fathers—helping them become the dads they aspire to be. Every time the holiday season approaches, and my reflective nature kicks into high gear, the answer becomes unmistakably clear.

• I do what I do because I spent much of my childhood yearning for my father to be my daddy—to truly be there.
• I do what I do because I have listened to countless children and youth who carry holes in their hearts shaped exactly like their fathers.
• I do what I do because I have witnessed the tears of men around the world—men aching from the absence of their fathers and longing to be closer to their own children.

And I do what I do because I know that this sadness, this longing, this generational ache is preventable. I know this because I have felt, and continue to feel, the joy of exuberant daddying and granddaddying. It is a joy that nourishes both the giver and the receiver—one born from nurturing children and being emotionally nourished in return. My mission is simple: I want as many families as possible to know that joy.

Celebrating Fatherhood Through Film

During the opening day luncheon at the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, Next Generation, I will be sharing several new films from our Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F). This festival—now in its fifth year—was created to highlight the profound impact of fathers and father figures. Its purpose is straightforward: to center children and families, elevate emotional authenticity, and celebrate what it means to have or to be an involved, nurturing dad.

It’s not radical. It’s essential.

D3F Mission

• Shine a spotlight on the importance of dads—in their presence and in their absence.

• Provide safe, creative opportunities for children and fathers to express emotions, hopes, and expectations.

• Encourage honesty, creativity, and originality through storytelling and film.

• Portray diverse family dynamics to promote stronger, healthier relationships.

• Demonstrate and inspire film and video production skills among youth and adults.

Becoming the Dad You and Your Child Want and Need

When you join us at the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference in Los Angeles, you’re not simply attending an event. You are entering a transformative gathering dedicated to empowering communities, uplifting families, and preparing a stronger next generation.

The films we will share will touch your heart. They will stir your passion. And they will remind you of why both mothers and fathers matter deeply in a child’s life. These stories offer a powerful invitation: become the dad— or the parent or supporter—your child wants and needs.

Learn more about the conference schedule and details:
https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org///fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/27th-international-families-and-fathers-conference-schedule.html

About DADvocacy Consulting Group

The DADvocacy Consulting Group (DCG) recognizes the essential roles of both fathers and mothers. Our work is grounded in research confirming that children, families, and communities thrive when fathers are positively engaged in their children’s lives.

DADvocacy is more than a philosophy—it is an active, lifelong commitment to nurturing the physical, emotional, social, academic, creative, and moral well-being of children. We help develop policies and practices that encourage and empower fathers, grandfathers, and father figures to be fully present in the lives of their children, and vice versa.

Learn more about DADvocacy Consulting Group’s mission and services. https://www.dadvocacyconsultinggroup.com/about