(PCM+) Inside the Strong Dads Program: Building Better Fathers Across Oklahoma

Story by Rob Bodick | Contributing Writer

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

As I sat down to start writing this article about the Strong Dads program, my mind was flooded with so many thoughts of what I wanted to express. The more I thought about it, the more my mind was drawn to the stack of surveys on my desk, testimonies, comments from moms, children and grandparents alike. “My son is a different man,” one grandparent said. “Thanks for helping my daddy” rang out from a little child. “This class helped save my marriage, we talk for hours now,” exclaimed one mom, and “I wish I would have taken this class sooner,” one graduating dad humbly stated. Then I picked up self-reflection essays written by students after a lecture we presented on campus. “My dad and I were close; he was a great dad, but after hearing this lecture I realize how much work it takes to be a great dad.”

That student was 100% correct. It takes a lot of work to be a great dad, and when we bring life into this world it does not come with an instruction manual. In fact, when you look at the grand scheme of things they require foster parents to go through many hours of classes to learn how to be good parents. Does anyone recall getting any books on being a parent from the hospital? I don’t.