A Front Row Seat to Fatherhood: Witnessing Courage, Change, and Connection

By Jeff Kramer, Manager of Family Asset Building Programs at Action for Children

Working in the field of fatherhood isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of fathers from all walks of life. Some are brand new dads, still in awe as they hold their newborn for the very first time. Others are reconnecting with children they haven’t seen in years, rebuilding bridges that once seemed beyond repair. All of them share something powerful: a desire to show up for their children in ways that matter.

Fatherhood is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The men I meet are navigating complex systems—child support, family court, early education, and employment—while carrying the weight of their own upbringing, past mistakes, and the deep desire to be better. And still, they show up. They ask questions. They listen. They try. Sometimes they admit, “I’m overwhelmed and unsure about how to parent,” but they keep going, determined to figure it out.

There’s a quiet joy that comes from watching a dad realize he’s not alone—that others share his challenges, his hopes, and his determination. In our workshops and one-on-one conversations, I’ve seen powerful moments unfold. A father who never had a role model growing up learns a new way to discipline without yelling and decides, “I want to try this with my son.” Another father reconnects with his teenage children and commits to being there for them in a consistent and meaningful way. I’ve seen fathers who once questioned their value realize just how essential their presence truly is.

One of the most moving parts of this work is seeing men choose to break cycles. It takes incredible courage to say, “The way I was parented doesn’t work for me,” or “I want something different for my kids.” That decision—to try something new—is a profound act of love. It’s advocacy, leadership, and generational healing all rolled into one. And it often starts with a simple but honest moment: “I’m overwhelmed and unsure about how to parent.”

These men aren't just parenting—they’re rebuilding. They’re healing. They’re growing alongside their children. And while the world doesn’t always see them, I do. I see their commitment in the way they show up week after week. I see their transformation when they begin to believe they have something meaningful to offer. I see their joy when they talk about the little moments that mean the most—like seeing their child take their first steps or being there for a bedtime story.

What I’ve learned through this work is that fatherhood is powerful. When fathers are empowered, whole families benefit. Children feel safer, more supported, and more confident. Mothers and co-parents feel more balanced and less burdened. Communities grow stronger.

Fatherhood isn’t just about biology—it’s about connection, consistency, and care. It’s about learning, unlearning, and choosing presence even when it’s hard. I’m honored to do this work, and even more honored to witness the quiet revolutions happening in fathers’ lives every day.  So, this Father’s Day, I celebrate the dads who are still figuring it out, who keep trying, who ask for help, and who refuse to give up. Your effort matters. Your presence matters. And the path you're walking is changing more than just your child’s life—it’s changing yours too.