CELEBRATING FATHERS

BY AMBER TUELLER

The influence of a good man in a child’s life is invaluable. In recent generations, our society has shifted its focus to include dads more consciously. These changes range from Dads 'n' doughnuts in the elementary schools to a huge increase in companies granting paternity leave, something that was fairly unheard of even 15 years ago. This shift has occurred partially to allow for a wide variety of families – with dads often being the primary parent in a home. I believe another reason for this push is a greater recognition of the need for fathers to be involved. They have such an impact on their families in helping to shape values, self-esteem, work ethic, and fun.

Fathers not only affect the lives of their own children, but so many around them. They can influence their children’s friends; youth in their church community; kids in the neighborhood; teenagers they work with; and students at school who benefit from their volunteering and teaching. Coaches get very close to their teams and have a positive impact on the youth they work with. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and cousins have an impact on those in their extended families. Younger fathers look up to older fathers and the positive cycle continues. There is certainly a greater ripple from each man than at first seems obvious. Remember the reach you can have in your own homes and in the community. It is seen and felt.

As part of our June issue, we want to say Happy Father’s Day and thank you for lifting those around you!

Tools and tinkering. Soup and superheroes. Dads and Doughnuts Day. Hard work, fun, and family. Whatever “father” brings to mind for each of us, June is the time to give back to the influential men in our lives. They run out into the storm to clear a path for us; leave early to save us seats; build or fix our variety of contraptions; coach us through sports, jobs, and school; cheer us through our best or worst days; know how to lighten a sour mood; and so much more! We appreciate husbands, fathers, and father figures, and everything they do for us. Be sure to throw some love their way this month on Father’s Day.

Currently

74.7 MILLION FATHERS IN THE U.S.

OF DADS SAY BEING A FATHER IS THE BEST JOB IN THE

65.9% fathers who took paternity leave in 2021-2022 COMPARED TO 14% IN 1980 dads in 2022 COMPARED TO 6 IN 1970

What A Man Wants

76% prefer an experience over a physical gift for Father’s Day

37% asked for a gift card to a favorite store

29% would like electronics & gadets (a drone or VR goggles)

What A Man Gets

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

Key

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25

$$$ ......................... Over $25

(EC) Editors Choice

(N) New

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE

ASIAN GRILL

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

Indochine

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$