On June 16, 2019, we’ll be celebrating the Dads, Granddads, Stepdads and those who have been fatherly mentors in our lives. Although our moms get a lot of credit and love, our fathers provide a key role in a child’s emotional development as well as a vital connection and source of approval even in our adult years.
“Children look to their fathers to lay down the rules and enforce them. They also look to their fathers to provide a feeling of security, both physical and emotional. Children want to make their fathers proud, and an involved father promotes inner growth and strength. Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self-confidence.” – American Academy of Pediatrics
The father’s role in the family and as a partner in raising the children is imperative to the health and wellness of the children and adolescents, which studies show.
“Numerous studies find that an active and nurturing style of fathering is associated with better verbal skills, intellectual functioning, and academic achievement among adolescents” – Psychology Today
Fatherhood is no easy job, as they provide security, affection, inner strength, emotional growth and humor. While mom is the nurturer, the father is a role model for strength and character development. Dads need role models too, often their own fathers, grandfathers, uncles or mentors can provide learning lessons on how to be a strong and loving father. Surprisingly, many of us reference famous but fictional characters in books, movies and television for good and sometimes bad examples of fathers.
Our Favorite Fictional Fathers
Let’s look at a few examples of Famous Fictional Fathers and the lessons we have learned from them over the years:
In television …
Carl Winslow, Family Matters
“While Steve Urkel was only the next door neighbor and not one of his three children, Carl Winslow (played by Reginald VelJohnson) was always there to protect him and give him advice, always making him feel like a part of the family.”
Jack Pearson, This is Us
“From doing push-ups with Randall on his back to loaning Kate his magical T-shirt at the pool, Jack Pearson (played by Milo Ventimiglia) is willing to bend over backwards to make sure the Big Three feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Fred Andrews, Riverdale
“Fred Andrews (played by the late Luke Perry) is a paragon of morality, always looking out for his son, Archie, and offering him advice on how to navigate high school.”
Ned Stark, Game of Thrones
“Everyone’s favorite Winterfell father (played by Sean Bean) has imbued all of his children with a deep sense of justice, kindness, and loyalty. Even after his untimely death, he is still inspiring his children to do the right thing.”
Phil Dunphy, Modern Family
“From crying at his kids’ graduations to his obsession with magic and cheerleading, Phil Dunphy (played by Ty Burrell) is a cool dad who is devoted to his family. Phil is the goofy dad we love to laugh at but also wish was ours.”
Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch
“Mike was TV’s perfect 1950’s dad, tweaked for a more modern era. A successful architect, handsome, well-coiffed and handy with a toolkit, Mike Brady was about all a blended family could hope for.”
Dan Connor, Roseanne
“Dan as a gruff, goofy, goodhearted Joe Sixpack, who showed love for his three children in many ways — with his sense of humor, his allowing his daughters’ boyfriends to become part of the family, and keeping Roseanne at bay. He also did everything to make sure his family had place to live and food to eat, with his wife’s help of course.”
Ward Cleaver, Leave it to Beaver
“Ward Cleaver, played by Hugh Beaumont, was always at hand with a bit of moral guidance for his two sons. As far as we can tell, he’s a flawless father — he goes to work, comes home, loves his family and barbecues.”
In movies …
George Banks, Father of the Bride
“George Banks’ (played by Steve Martin) fierce love for his daughter drives him to antics that are funny, embarrassing, and almost unbearably sweet. He is the gold standard for wedding-aisle partners.”
Daniel Hillard, Mrs. Doubtfire
“Daniel Hillard (played by the late Robin Williams) loved his kids so much that he was willing to dress in an elaborate drag costume, invent a new persona, and get hired as their nanny just to spend time with them. His stint as ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ may be a bit extreme but it also shows an unfathomable level of fatherly dedication.”
Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happiness
“Chris Gardner (Will Smith) had trouble finding work, enough food to eat, and shelter for himself and his young son, but he never gave up and never lost sight of his goal to be a good provider.”
In literature …
Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
“Not only is Atticus (played by Gregory Peck) the lone voice of right and humanity in Maycomb, Ala., he also instills a devout honesty in his daughter Scout and his son Jem. He’s one of the greatest dads of all time, fictional or otherwise.”
Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter
All fathers are embarrassing in their own ways, and even though Arthur Weasley takes it to a whole new level, he’s still the most lovable dad around. Funny, caring, and courageous, not only is Arthur a terrific father to his own children, but he happily takes on the role of father figure for Harry too.”
Mr. Bennett, Pride & Prejudice
“Mr. Bennet had the right intentions but didn’t always make the best choices for his five daughters. Close with all of his children but closest to Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet frets over the futures of his daughters, often pressuring them to find husbands, but ultimately wants each of them to be happy.”
Bob Cratchit, A Christmas Carol
“Overrworked, underpaid father doesn’t let his crappy job get to him. No, instead of coming home from a long day angry and upset, he manages to keep a positive, upbeat attitude for the sake of his family. He spends his free time with his children, especially his youngest son, Tim, who he literally carries on his back when Tim is too weak to walk himself.”
Who’s your Favorite Dad?
*Comment below tell us who your favorite dad is (fictional or famous) and enter to win a $20.00 Gift Card. Only one winner will be chosen by June 15th. We’ll post the results on our Facebook page!
Celebrate your Father with a Gift from Soft Shoe
Happy Father’s Day! We have tons of great gift ideas for Dad at Soft Shoe. What dad doesn’t need more comfort in his life? Come and find some of the most comfortable brands of footwear under one roof, as we carefully select the brands we care for comfort, foot health, quality materials and affordability. See our featured selection of footwear:
Men’s Hey Dude® Wally Sox
Top Seller! Designed to be your favorite shoe for all occasions, Wally embodies the Hey Dude lifestyle by combining your passion for comfort, quality, and fashion. This unique combination allows you to attack each day as a new adventure with the confidence your feet won’t be the reason to slow down. Constructed with leading-edge technology, like the Flex & Fold system, Wally easily is one of the most comfortable and versatile shoes on the market.
Olukai Footwear
Great for Summer! Olukai® started as a different approach to a footwear company as their footwear combines durability for the waterman, ocean lifestyle, and a brand that has strong values and roots with style, comfort, and craftsmanship. They believe that sustainability and positive living is less about an ethos and more about the choices that you make everyday. It’s about your actions, and inspiring the actions of others.
They pay close attention to every element of design, starting with the use of custom-made lasts and anatomical footbeds to ensure superior fit. Premium materials are carefully selected to be beautiful, durable, and soft against your skin. Their footwear have handcrafted details that honor island culture with authentic artwork.
The strength of the foot is in the arch, and Olukai’s anatomical arch support system provides all of the comfort and support that your feet deserve.
Large Selection of Men’s Brands of Apparel, Footwear & Accessories
We also have shoes, boots and sandals in Birkenstock, Brooks, Born, Cat, Carhartt, Carolina, Sperry, Hoka One One, Clarks, Keen, Merrell, Johnston & Murphy, Magnum, On, Nike, Rocky, Red Wing Shoes, Saucony, Timberland, Wolverine, Skechers and more. We have men’s apparel in The North Face, Patagonia, Southern Marsh, True Grit and more.
Enter our Father’s Day Olukai Giveaway!
We want to thank the fathers, grandfathers, and male role models of our community with a Father’s Day Giveway of one (1) pair of Olukai Shoes or Sandals for a lucky dad. The winner will choose any pair of Vionic shoes in stock at Soft Shoe.
How to Enter:
- Visit our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/softshoeinc and leave a comment by tagging one or more friends. See post for directions.
- The winner will be selected randomly by the Soft Shoe staff.
- The Giveaway starts today and runs through June 14th at 12:00pm EST.
- You must enter by Friday, June 14th at 12pm (noon). Comments after that time will not be considered.
- Winner will be announced on June 15th by noon.
- Participants must be 13 years or older and able to pick up their prize at our store in Richmond KY.
