Yesterday was Father’s Day and BET celebrated it by running a special called “Daddy’s Home.” The show focused on four rappers Jeulz Santana, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi (from Oukast), and The Game. The special program allowed us to see a glimpse of the family lives of these famous artists. These fathers were amazing and one might not have ever gotten that impression from their public persona or their music.

Each father in the program spoke about the importance of being a good dad. They all spend lots of time with their children and play with them. Juelz Santana criticized some dads for being too tough with their children. He told his kid that he loved him and told the audience that kids need to have that emotional connection.

Some of these artists have songs that might not be appropriate for children, but they shelter them from such things. Big Boi rapped a verse about fatherhood from one of his songs to the camera and then stopped short. “Too many curses,” he said. He also went on to say that he would encourage his children in whatever it was they wanted to do, even if it was music. Although, he wanted to steer them away from that if he could.

I then read an article in Maclean’s magazine where William Shatner was asked about his role as a dad. He said, “I’m probably a good dad, and inadequate. Both go hand in hand. You never feel you’ve done well enough. Yet you’ve done the best you can. They’re good people, they’re all functioning, intelligent, humorous people, I’m proud of that. I always had time for them, that was my main thrust.”

Fatherhood is a huge responsibility. It is a tough job and it’s hard to know if you’ve ever done enough. Kids need love and support, they need good quality time with their parents, and they need to be listened to. Anyone who does these things is probably a good dad, like Shatner says. Focus on the good. Try to do your best.

I hope you all had a great Father’s Day. You deserve it. You are appreciated!