DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DAD AND A FATHER
Excerpt from Daniel Ruyter blog Memories of a Single Dad
The words ‘dad’ and ‘father’ are very similar on the surface and yet, I think to many people they hold very different meanings. Father’s Day seems to ignite something in a lot of people as it did with me as well.
What’s the difference between the words “dad” and “father”? Can they be used interchangeably? Are they basically the same thing?
I say NO, they are not the same thing and I’ll tell you why. Whether you agree or disagree on what I see as the difference between a dad and a father, I’d love it if you would share your thoughts in the comments below.
I disagree, Google. There is a difference between being a dad and a father.
A dad is someone that is there for his children. A dad watches and actively participates in their lives. A dad helps them grow up, raises them, nurtures them, attends dance recitals and baseball games and is present.
On the surface you’d think the definitions between dad and father would be the same – but they’re not. They are very different, in fact.
A father is something else; a father is more of a biological term than a role or relationship. A father is a the birds and bees version of a parent. They are a reproductive assistant, if you will. Father’s need only contribute the biological components necessary to produce the child. After that, the their role and obligation to the child is over.
A father doesn’t need to be present to have a have a child. They don’t need to participate to make their biological contribution. A father doesn’t need to be present to be a father. Therein lies the difference when attempting to define the difference between a dad and a father. Of course, this distinction is my own and you may or may not agree or buy into my differences. Though, I know there are single moms out there that know there’s a distinctive difference between the two. They see every single day what the differences are between being a dad and being a father mean to their child’s life.
What’s the difference between the words “dad” and “father”? Can they be used interchangeably? Are they basically the same thing?
I say NO, they are not the same thing and I’ll tell you why. Whether you agree or disagree on what I see as the difference between a dad and a father, I’d love it if you would share your thoughts in the comments below.
First, Let’s Define Dad
Here’s Google’s definition of “dad”:I disagree, Google. There is a difference between being a dad and a father.
A dad is someone that is there for his children. A dad watches and actively participates in their lives. A dad helps them grow up, raises them, nurtures them, attends dance recitals and baseball games and is present.
Next, Let’s Define Father
A dad is someone that is there for his children. A father is something else; a father is more of a biological term than a role or relationship.
On the surface you’d think the definitions between dad and father would be the same – but they’re not. They are very different, in fact.A father is something else; a father is more of a biological term than a role or relationship. A father is a the birds and bees version of a parent. They are a reproductive assistant, if you will. Father’s need only contribute the biological components necessary to produce the child. After that, the their role and obligation to the child is over.
A father doesn’t need to be present to have a have a child. They don’t need to participate to make their biological contribution. A father doesn’t need to be present to be a father. Therein lies the difference when attempting to define the difference between a dad and a father. Of course, this distinction is my own and you may or may not agree or buy into my differences. Though, I know there are single moms out there that know there’s a distinctive difference between the two. They see every single day what the differences are between being a dad and being a father mean to their child’s life.
