Father’s Day, as you can imagine, can be a rough time for our kids. The beautiful thing, though, is that even when they can’t be with their own dads, we have some pretty amazing Cottage Dads who are standing in the gap for our kids until reunification or adoption can happen.
We asked a few of our Cottage Dads to share some of their expertise and experience – their funnies, their wisdom, and even a few cheesy Dad Jokes. Because honestly, who doesn’t love a cheesy dad joke from time to time?
How long have you been a Cottage Parent? Why did you decide to become one?
Mr. Bobby – I became a Cottage Dad in 1996. I had been a foster dad for 10 years before becoming a Cottage Parent. At the time I was burnt out working as a plant manager in a manufacturing plant. I felt a “calling” to become a Cottage Dad.
Mr. Myck – I have been a Cottage Dad for almost a year. I became a Cottage Parent to help spread the love of the Gospel and instill morals and principals. I wanted to live out my God-given purpose of serving children by showing them love in action.
Mr. Jay – I have been a Cottage Dad since July of 2018. I wanted to work with kids and also have a job in which I could be active.
Mr. Glenn – I have been a Cottage Dad for eight years now. I felt like I had a lot to give children in need. It’s my ministry!
Mr. Kenny – I became a Cottage Dad in 2008. I wanted to do something that would have me at home with my family more, and this allowed me to help others while also helping my wife raise our own boys. Our boys were 10, 12, and 17 when we started, and they worked with us by being part of the household.
What is your favorite part of being a Cottage Parent?
Mr. Bobby – I have been doing this long enough to see some of the children become adults. What I’ve learned is that we may never see the end result of the work we do with children, and that’s okay. We are seed planters. My favorite part is to see children become comfortable with who they are.
Mr. Myck – The coolest thing about it is seeing the children grow mentally and physically – seeing them express themselves in a positive manner where all their God-given talents are on display. Being able to be a part of their growth and change is awesome to me because you’re serving a child who truly needs genuine love and support.
Mr. Jay – The best thing is seeing residents successfully reunited with their parents, placed in stable foster homes, or adopted.
Mr. Glenn – I love watching the children’s wounds being healed and seeing them go to their forever home, whether that’s through reunification or adoption.
What are some of the struggles?
Mr. Myck – One of the biggest struggles for me is when all your efforts to help a child don’t pan out. You come in, at times, with an assumption that you can help every child at that exact moment, and when your efforts don’t work, it makes it feel like you failed them. Prayer and patience help, allowing God to work through these children by planting seeds that they will hopefully remember and utilize.
What is a “day in the life” like for you?
Mr. Glenn- Like walking a tight rope. It’s a big balancing act figuring out what works for each child.
Mr. Myck – Super early and super long. However, they are always full of laughter, tear jerker moments, teachable moments, and reality checks. I’m always taking moments to reflect.
What phrase do you find yourself repeating over and over again?
Mr. Bobby – “We’re all right here. You don’t have to yell.”
Mr. Jay – “Treat others like you want to be treated.”
Mr. Glenn – “I love you!”
Mr. Kenny – “You don’t have to play the hand life dealt you. Throw it in, and get another hand.”
Do you have any funny stories from your time as a Cottage Dad?
Mr. Jay – One day I was wearing a grey t-shirt, and a six year old told me told me I looked like a hippo.
Mr. Glenn – One child I had was learning the correct names for his private parts. We were at a restaurant, and he screamed out loud, “I need to go use my (insert private part name here) to pee!”
What’s your best cheesy “Dad joke?” (You’re welcome.)
Mr. Bobby –
What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.
In the state of NC, where can you find a cow with no legs? Right where you left him.
Mr. Jay –
What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese.
Mr. Glenn –
Where were you when the lights went out? In the dark!
What advice to you always give the kids?
cMr. Bobby – Ten, 15, or 20 years from now, you may not remember me or the other kids you were here with, but you will have to live with the person you become. Become a good one.
Mr. Myck – Don’t let your situation dictate your future. Find your purpose. Keep God on the highest pedestal, and trust Him, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Mr. Jay – Do your best. And take a deep breath.
What are you “known for” around the cottage?
Mr. Myck – The gems of wisdom I drop and my awesome fashion sense – which the boys call “Cool Dad Wear.”
Mr. Jay – Kicking the soccer ball around.
Mr. Glenn – Cutting up and being goofy!
Is there any other “Dad advice” you’d like to share?
Mr. Bobby – Accept, understand, and practice grace. Remember a wise man often says nothing.
Mr. Myck – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
Happy Father’s Day to all of our Cottage Dads!!
Crossnore’s Cottage Parents work on a 7 day on, 7 day off rotation, alternating with one other set of Cottage Parents. You can be a Cottage Parent along with a spouse, or be single! It takes training, hard work, patience, and love, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever have. If you want to make a huge difference in the life of a child, you can find out more about becoming a Cottage Parent here.
