MARK MY WORD: THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN BEING A DAD

Dads aren't a dime a dozen.

OK, we don't shop like moms or dress our kids properly. But we've got our place in the home, and it's not always in the easy chair in front of the TV set watching a sports channel. At times, we've been known to sprawl on the floor to watch our favorite ball game.

There's nothing quite like fathers. Who else would chase their kids around the yard and push them down the slide? Or play school or store with them?

I've sat in on my daughters' doll parties, watched Becca paint her nails and Bailey collect sticks and leaves from the yard. So far, I've managed to avoid getting my nails painted. Dads have to have some rules.

But it's more than just fun and games.

We've learned a lot over the years, like how to make really good peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and change diapers.

Only a few decades ago, dads didn't change diapers or attend home-room parties. Times have changed. We've become closer to our children. We've learned to be sensitive.

Changing diapers is clearly a bonding experience.

Of course, thankfully kids grow up and we eventually move beyond the diaper pail stage.

There's nothing better than being a dad. Many times I come home from work, tired and cranky. As I turn into the driveway, my daughters run out to greet me, their faces beaming with joy. Becca and Bailey are just glad to see me. I can't help but smile. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

We'd all do well to catch it.

Naturally, there are times when the kids are verbally skirmishing. Years ago, uneducated folks called it yelling.

That explains why so many parents end up deaf in their senior years.

But all in all, it's well worth being a dad. For one thing, it gives you a great excuse to spend a few hours watching all those exciting races at your child's elementary school Play Day.

While our society has always valued dads, particularly in sitcoms, it took nearly 200 years to make it legal.

Spokane, Wash., celebrated the first Father's Day on June 19, 1910. But it wasn't until 1972 that President Nixon signed Father's Day into law and saved the necktie industry, which had been having a hard time selling all those golf and fish ties.

Without Father's Day, Americans would be hard pressed to have a reason to buy such ties.

Father's Day is the one day out of the year when you can be excused for giving all those strange ties as presents.

But there's nothing tacky about being a dad. It's a noble calling. One that requires hard work and the ability to tell bed-time stories and watch Scooby-Doo videos over and over again.

The reward is plenty of hugs and kisses.

And with any luck on Father's Day, your kids will play outside. That way, you just might get a nap.

Mark Bliss is a staff writer for the Southeast Missourian.