Do Fathers Have a Role in Gun Control?

Are boys obsessed with weapons? Is your home a toy gun-free home? I’ll be first to admit that I’m a toy-weapon tolerant dad. I allow my son to play with toy guns and swords. Boys naturally like to play with toy weapons and there’s nothing wrong with acting out make-believe combat with toy guns and swords.

I grew up without toy weapons at home. My solution was to make my own weapons. I made cardboard machine guns and grenade launchers like a young Sylvester Stallone in Rambo. I made Samurai swords out of tree branches and any L-shape object became a hand gun including my baby sister’s Barbie dolls.

Many parents forbid their children from playing with toys guns. Many view toy weapons as corruptors of children, exposing them to aggressive and violent behaviors and reinforcing gender stereotypes.

The tragic event in Newtown, CT put the debate on gun control in the spotlight again and many parents followed suit imposing their own toy gun control and zero-tolerance policies in their households. But is this the right response to the issue of violence? Should parents keep their sons away from toy weapons and impose a weapon-free zone at home? Should zero-tolerance policies be extended to playgrounds, schools and other public venues?

Boys naturally gravitate toward weaponry not because of their desire to kill or hurt another human being but because of their desire to be heroes. Boys have a natural willingness to do great things, be adventurous and to be rescuers. They need to feel like heroic warriors and toy weapons help bring out their imagination and act out their fantasies. It is one way boys are molded to be mature courageous men.

Play is play and violence is violence. What’s essential is that fathers educate their sons to understand and differentiate the two in their playtime. Their make-believe games are opportunities to teach boys to distinguish between what’s right and wrong and what’s good and evil. Penny Holland, author of "We Don't Play with Guns Here," says toy weapons were "part of...making sense of the world (imitating) timeless themes of the struggle between good and evil."

Parents should recognize and respect what young boys are dreaming to be and experiencing in their play. Fathers were once young boys too and played fierce battles with evil monsters and alien invaders. We usually grow up wanting to be heroes. Sometimes I wish my son would simply pretend he’s a magician or a race car driver; but right now he wants to be a gun-trotting Pirate and Captain America. All a weapons-tolerant dad like me can do is to play along with my imaginary laser gun and light saber and model to him the right and honorable way to save the day.

Do you let your child play with toy weapons? Why or why not?

(Article also published at The Father Factor Blog)

(Photo credit: The Hive)

Filipino-Christian Daddy Blogger is Going to Dad 2.0 Summit

I just booked my flight to Houston, TX. The Filipino-Christian daddy blogger is going to Dad 2.0 Summit. In my part-time and trying-hard blogging career of 4 years, this will be my first attendance in an out-of-town blogging and fatherhood conference. I’m very excited! I appreciate founder of Dad 2.0 and Laid-Of Dad, Doug French for the opportunity and encouraging me to attend the conference.

I honestly don’t know what to expect. But what I am hoping is that the conference will expand my connections with seriously concerned fathers like me, learn and develop new skills as a media professional, have a couple of drinks, connect with brands and get tons for freebies from conference sponsors like Kraft Cheese, Dove MenCare, Honda, Sears Auto and many more. Though I’ll miss my wife and kids for one weekend, I’m looking forward to the new opportunities this conference and the people attending it will bring to me.

Check out the video below for more information.

Filipino Christian Blogger: Raving About Duck Dynasty

Filipino Christian blogger asks: Does the success of Duck Dynasty prove that Americans understand and value strong, faithful families?

I rave about Duck Dynasty (on A&E Network) because it is one of the few shows on TV that is safe for my entire family to watch. My 8 years old daughter enjoys Uncle Si and she loves seeing the Robertson granddaughter, Sadie on TV. My 3 year old son also now wants a duck caller.
 
This article from Rob Sumrall said it all on why we love Duck Dynasty and why it makes my family's Wednesday night, "Happy! Happy! Happy!"

Slowing Down Makes Christmas Memorable

Here's my guest post article for the National Fatherhood Initiative's 12 Dad's of Christmas. I was asked to share my most memorable Christmas and how I make Christmas memorable to my kids.



The Christmas season becomes more hectic as one becomes an adult and a parent. That’s why memories of my childhood always come to my mind first when I reflect on my most memorable Christmases.

What's with Boys and Video Games?

I haven't introduced my son to active video games such as XBox or Play Station, but in case I do or he discover it on his own, I will keep this article in mind.

As Christmas draws near, the young—and the young at heart—among the guys in your life are probably asking for the latest video games. And if they’re real junkies, they’ve more than likely given up waiting and have already hit the stores to pick up one of the bestselling titles. You may be thinking, “What’s up with him? This can’t be healthy!” But what if—at the most basic level—it is?

Showing Off New Father and Son Haircuts

Jordan, my 3 year old son had a haircut yesterday and this is what it turned out. So far, it is one of the most "Liked" and commented photo I posted on my Facebook page.

I also had a haircut but on a separate time. Below's a picture my wife took showing off our new dos. Unfortunately, putting my self in the photo with Jordy didn't generate much "likes" and "comments" compared to my son's solo shot (oh well... call me bitter). Anyway, I'm looking forward when Jordan grows up a bit and we can make our own regular trips to the barber together. I don't know how frequent that will be, but it will be an excellent father-and-son bonding activity that we can do someday.

Kudos and we appreciate the folks at Great Clips. The Ashburn VA location made us look great.

There's More than Drama and Sex Appeal in Star Cinama's "One More Try" Movie

"Kahit isang gabi lang... pahiram ng asawa mo" - WOW, what a line!!! (LOL)

I stumbled upon this trailer on Facebook of an upcoming Filipino film, One More Try (a 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival entry by Star Cinema). I have not seen the movie (and will not have the chance to), but based on the trailer alone, One More Try tells a story of two couples torn between infidelity and saving the life of a child.

It deals with the real issue known as "savior sibling" - which is the main cause of conflict and drama in the movie. In the U.S. it is legal to create a genetically matched human being in order to save or be the “savior” of a sick child in need of a donor. Bone marrow, blood, or even organs from the savior sibling can be taken out and used for transplant for the sick sibling. I’m not sure if it’s also legal in the Philippines.

I doubt the movie will be factual with the issue “savior siblings.” Star Cinema’s main goal is to romanticized the story and produce a “happy every after” box-office ending.

To the trailer’s credit, it shows the devastation and stress placed on a marriage when a child has a fatal disease and the painful decisions parents go through.

Organ donation is perhaps one of the greatest deeds a person can do. But it’s a gift that should be freely given. It is never taken or bought. Creating a savior sibling is a direct violation of the dignity of that person. It treats human life as something to be made and used as a commodity.

The movie is definitely a tear-jerker that my mother and my other female Filipino American friends will enjoy. But if Filipino movie goers think deeper and look past the melodrama storyline and sex appeal of the main actors, the film should also help spark a discussion on ethics and what can happen when parents decide to play God.

Movie opens December 25^th in Philippine cinemas.

My Daughter's First 5K Race

Isabelle made it! She completed her first 5K race yesterday in 44.22 minutes. Not bad for an 8 year old first time runner- Of course I’m biased because I’m the dad. Isabelle complained some leg cramps during the race so she walked some parts of it. But she remained enthusiastic and determined to cross the finish line on her own. 

We also raised close to $250.00 for Angel Tree by the end of the day which made her feel extra proud and excited of her accomplishment. We appreciate all who donated!

Team No Excuse Bruce: Thanksgiving Race for Angel Tree

Isabelle, my eldest and 8 years old daughter will be running her first 5K race this Thanksgiving Day. She saw me run the Ashburn Farm 5K race last year and said she wanted to try it next year. The time has come and Isabelle has been running with me and sometimes with her mom on the treadmill to prepare for her first race. To make it more special,  she decided to run and raise funds to help kids in need - children of prisoners. 

These children are in dire need of love. They are too often marginalized -- victims of their parents' choices. Left without some of the most basic necessities, many don't even know what it's like to receive gifts from their parent for Christmas.

Our goal is to use running to change their lives. By raising support for every mile we run, we will be able to provide these children with a Christmas gift and an age-appropriate gospel message.

Caption this... Dove Men Care

This is one of my favorite Instagram photos of my son Jordan (3 years old). I was taking a photo of the Dove Men Care products (w/c I love and use) I received in the mail and he gave us this playful gesture - tells a lot of his young personality.

I think it's a perfect "Caption this" photo.