TO THE DADS BREAKING IT DOWN

Last weekend, my son got to attend Canada’s first match in the World Cup in Toronto. My husband busted his ass to get tickets so they could share that experience. It made me so happy to see his smile in the pic they sent me. The city was buzzing and it was incredible to be in the excitement, so close to sports history being made.

This week, while walking my son to school, we chatted about the hat trick Lionel Messi scored the night before. Messi had just scored his 16th goal in his World Cup appearances, and the headlines read that he had tied the record with another male player for the most goals in tournament history. I was quick to recall that it’s actually Marta (a female footballer from Brazil) who holds the record for most goals scored in the World Cup.

As we met up with his friend that morning, they talked about the news of the day, including graduation plans and the soccer stats. Without hesitation, they both agreed that Marta is in fact the current holder of that record.

For my son, gender is not very relevant. He doesn’t get why I’m often quick to add in female statistics or highlight women’s stories. I have to explain that we had to fight to get where we are. Now everyone watches women’s sports and acknowledges the talent. For him, seeing strong women on tv is normal.

I think about watching tv shows like Young Sheldon with my son and how he is often very confused by the gender dynamics between the tv mother and father. The mom is in the kitchen, and the dad is the trope of the incompetent man who drinks beer and doesn’t know how to do much. “Why is this funny?” my son asked me. “I don’t get the joke.”

This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the dads who carry their weight at home. Those dads we see walking the kids to school, getting them to soccer games and the ones helping create positive core memories for our kids.

XX

Lynda

Shop father's day guide

SHOP GRAD GUIDE

My son is graduating elementary school (what!?) and I am going to personalize the LITZI dog tags with his soccer number as a graduation gift.

SHOP SUMMER BLING

Don’t forget to spoil yourself with some ear bling for when you toss those summer beach waves. I definitely think you need the Moissanite Ear Cuff. No need for another piercing, just slip it on your ear.