DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DAD AND A FATHER

 

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.

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.