Recognition
What is a Momentum Dad?
A momentum dad is a father who is diligently and consistently involved in the life “pro”spects, leadership “pro”files, and legacy “pro”ceeds of his child(ren). He’s a PRO in every sense of the word. He assists his child(ren) as a loving, lovable, and love-considerate luminary who sees the big picture because he gets the small details. In short, a momentum dad does not leave anything up for chance as it relates to his side of the parental ledger account or caregiver responsibility. Presents are nice; presence is better. Sight is good; vision instilled is much brighter. Time is appreciated; undivided attention is expected, actually, demanded. And children are quick to point out, “Dad, you’re not paying attention to me!” I’ve been there before, how about you? In most cases, it’s intuitive or second-nature for mothers to provide those oxytocin connections of bonding, trusting, and loving moments with their child(ren). But for fathers, they have to be more intentional in pulling this off to carry their weight. For those who do get the process of fatherhood right — a targeted and spontaneous investment approach — they are walking in the essence of their dad-inspired purpose. As momentum boosters who understand what’s at stake.
Revelation
Why is a Momentum Dad Important?
Families become closer, societies run smoother, organizations perform better, communities bond tighter, and children often go farther in life when collective fathers transition to proactive dads. A momentum dad brings his “A” game personally. He takes the high road of character when the low road in being a caricature is the default onramp. He’s a principled man who gets his point across without using a bullhorn, bulldozer, or bullying stick to build consensus. A momentum dad steps up his “excellence” game professionally. His personal face and professional space share the same integrity zip code. In effect, he’s not a chameleon who gets caught up in a lose-lose game of charades, running from who he is to become someone he can never be. Who he is on the home-front is the same man of virtue on the work-front. He’s comfortable leading by example in a management role, subordinate position, or as a team member because he treats everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion. A momentum dad steps up his “dad-of-distinction” game philanthropically. He stands in the gap for the fatherless who are in desperate need of eyeball hugs, emotional support, and paternal blessings. He intuitively realizes that his legacy will include those who are not related to him by blood. As a first responder, his immediate and extended family take precedence. However, he also steps forward on behalf of those who are treated as second-class citizens in society — men, women, and children who need the father’s blessing of validation (facilitating in the development of their gifts, talents, and abilities), valuation (helping them build meaningful and appreciable self-worth), and valediction (intervening on their behalf when a farewell death seems easier to deal with than an upswell life).
Reflection
Where Have Fathers Dropped the Ball?
Time for some real talk. In our society, mothers, by and large, are extended the parental grace card (and rightly so). They aren’t flawless, because no human being is. However, the office in which mothers hold (long after a biological, adoptive, or foster-care child leaves the home) typically comes with an ample supply of relational equity or biochemical goodwill. The cuddling. The cooking. The cheerleading. Absent fathers as well as distracted dads on the other hand, provoke and stoke the fans of flames in children who feel perpetually short-changed due to the debit side of the paternal ledger account. Too many withdrawals and not enough credits are to blame. This often leads short-changed children to deal with their pain in lockstep along a rather predictable and identifiable behavioral spectrum, which the following examples highlight. Paternally wounded kids are more apt to throw in the towel on life or in school through self-sabotage, or just as problematic, go on a self-directed mission to make a name for themselves through a job (or jab, as in fighting), an asset (or assist, as in sports), or a hustle (or hassle, as in defiance). Still others focus on outward qualities to mask inward deficits, from social butterflies who party hard to reclusive gamers camping out in a bedroom or basement. Wardrobe accessories, hairstyles, hair coloring, tattoos, and elaborate piercings are often part of their “check-me-out,” deflection arsenal. Even more, evidence-based research confirms a large percentage of these kids will turn to artificial substances to bury or cover up paternal abandonment through a drug, a drink, or a drift. Rejected kids, even in well-to-do communities, feel like orphans. Yes, much of the blame can be placed at the feet of absent fathers and distracted dads.
Momentum Dad Video Interviews
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Restoration
Dads of Distinction
A subscription-based offering is available for paternal caregivers, mentors, and sponsors who want to take their father’s blessing game to the next level. This includes live webinars, workshops, book reviews and recommendations, one-on-one mentoring and group coaching, and dads of distinction opportunities to stand in the gap for fatherless children. Stay tuned for more details on our Dads of Distinction, faith-based initiative.
Faith-Based
In religious circles, paternal blessings play a critical role in the life options and legacy outcomes of children.
Legacy-Driven
Every father leaves behind a legacy, but not every legacy is worth leaving behind.
Coming Soon!
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Testimonials
Lawrence’s inner-city roots growing up fatherless in public housing and intellectual gift in explaining the biochemical link behind absent fathers and present dads afford him the rare opportunity of connecting with any audience.Dwayne B., husband, father, and community leader
I’m in the fourth quarter of my life, and thanks to Lawrence, he has helped me understand that this is ‘the time to settle up accounts’ with my children and grandchildren as well as others I’ve shortchanged in decades gone by. I have some outstanding debts that I need to pay, with interest.Chris H., father, grandfather, and retiree
Being a momentum dad has challenged me in every area of my fathering journey, a responsibility I wholeheartedly accept while still dealing with the pain of my own fatherless wounds from childhood.Jason, T., father, visionary, and budding entrepreneur
Lawrence really hit home with me on the tattoos. It makes perfect sense knowing that the absence of my father, who passed away when I was a kid, could very well explain my obsession with the ‘hidden marketing theme and branding message’ behind my tattoos.Sean P., father, non-profit CEO, and community activist
What’s amazing is that I grew up with my father in the home, a man who has an unbelievable work ethic. But Mr. Fundy provided the ‘connection dots’ for me to distinguish between financial love and emotional attachment so that I don’t make the same mistakes. I forgive my father, but he didn’t realize that I needed both. Monetary support is not a substitute for relational affection. Michael B., father, white-collar executive, and philanthropist