What are the biggest truths about being a dad? To find out, Canton Public Library invited dads on staff to share the lessons, surprises, funny moments and heartfelt memories they've discovered through fatherhood. While every family's story is unique, similar themes emerged. This collection of "dad truths" celebrates the wisdom, humor and love that come with raising children and the unforgettable moments that make the journey worthwhile.
Dad Truth #1: Today's Favorite Is Tomorrow's Worst
Children have an incredible ability to change their minds without warning, especially when it comes to food.
Brian, one of CPL's librarians, shared a story about his 9-year-old daughter, who had happily eaten tacos for years. They were the one meal he could count on. Then one evening, she looked at her plate and announced, "I don't really like tacos anymore."
When Brian reminded her that she'd asked for tacos just the weekend before, she replied, "That was forever ago." So he asked what she wanted instead. "Nachos."
Brian returned to the kitchen, broke up the tacos into a bowl and served them back as nachos. She happily ate every bite, declaring how much better nachos were than "lame old tacos."
As Brian put it, "Raising kids means realizing you're not actually cooking meals. You're participating in a reality show where the rules change every episode, yesterday's favorite is today's disappointment and somehow you're still expected to know exactly what everyone wants for dinner."
Dad Truth #2: Silence Is Suspicious
If the house is quiet for more than three minutes, someone is either covered in marker, attempting science or standing on furniture they absolutely should not be standing on.
Dad Truth #3: Sometimes They're the Ones Taking Care of You
One of the most touching stories came from Wade, one of CPL's Building Monitors, who shared a memory that perfectly captures one of the unexpected joys of being a dad.
His daughter was about five years old, and they were out trick-or-treating. One house on the block had gone all out with spooky decorations, so they skipped it the first time. On the second trip around, she decided she was ready. As they walked up the driveway, she reached for his hand and said, "I'll hold your hand, Dad, in case you get scared."
"I still tear up thinking about it," Wade said.
It's a reminder that while dads spend years looking after their children, there are moments when children show they've been paying attention all along.
Dad Truth #4: Listening Is One of the Greatest Dad Skills
Several dads mentioned that some of the best conversations happen when you simply listen. Kids have a remarkable way of seeing the world, and sometimes their honesty carries more wisdom than we expect.
As Wade reflected:
"Kids need to be allowed to make their own mistakes. It's the only way they can develop the capacity to review their decision-making process, figure out where they went wrong and understand how to avoid making that mistake again."
Dad Truth #5: Time Together Becomes Time You Treasure
Jim, CPL's Building Supervisor, looks back fondly on camping trips to Silver Lake State Park with his two sons when they were young. While he set up the pop-up camper, the boys would ride their bikes around the campground. At night, they would sit around the campfire while Jim made up ridiculous stories that always made them laugh. Their trips also included visits to the family entertainment center Craig's Cruisers, where his sons loved playing in the arcade. Jim proudly remembers that his boys were so good at the games that, even when they were little, they could win against much older kids and teenagers, especially at Mortal Kombat.
"I really love the times we had on our camping trips," Jim said.
The moments that become some of the best memories aren't necessarily the ones that are carefully planned. Sometimes they're bike rides around a campground, silly stories around a fire or watching your kids show off their gaming skills at the arcade.
Dad Truth #6: Reading the Same Book 400 Times Still Matters
Even when you can recite every page from memory, storytime matters. Kids may not remember every detail of the book, but they will remember sitting with you, laughing, pointing at pictures and hearing your voice.
Dad Truth #7: You'll Wonder If You're Doing It Right
No one has all the answers, especially during those first months of parenthood.
Shane, one of CPL's librarians and a newer dad, shared a story about his 1-year-old daughter. She had never been a fan of her swing and usually fussed whenever she was placed in it. Then one day, instead of crying, she smiled.
Instead of celebrating, Shane found himself wondering if the smile was her way of coping because she still didn't want to be in the swing.
"It made me tear up," he said. "Needless to say, I took her out."
Looking back, it's a story that makes him smile. It's also a reminder that one of the earliest dad truths is that you'll wonder if you're doing it right. From sleepless nights to unexpected smiles, parenthood is full of moments that leave you second-guessing yourself. More often than not, that's simply a reflection of how much you care.
Dad Truth #8: "Just Resting My Eyes" Is Real
You mocked it as a child. Now you understand the importance of a good nap.
One More Dad Truth: Your Library Can Help
No dad has to figure everything out alone. Need free activities? Parenting books? Audiobooks for long car rides? Dinosaur encyclopedias? A last-minute school project rescue? The library can be one more tool in your parenting toolbox.
Looking for Great Dad Reads?
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Whether you’re a new dad, seasoned dad, exhausted dad or “I said I wasn’t getting another stuffed animal” dad, the library has something for you.
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