Navigating Fatherhood in the Trump Era: A Reflection

self insemination kit

“Are you feeling excited?” This question has been posed to me repeatedly by family, friends, and colleagues during the past several months. As I prepare to embrace fatherhood for the first time, the prospect of joining forces with my partner to nurture our soon-to-arrive daughter evokes both excitement and a sense of calm that is hard to articulate.

Indeed, I feel a thrill, but at 43, I also harbor concerns. Upon learning of my impending fatherhood, I found myself searching for “First-Time Celebrity Dads Over 40,” anticipating a list of seasoned rock stars or actors balancing parenting with their careers. Instead, my computer froze—clearly a coincidence, or so I hope.

When considering the hierarchy of worries for new fathers, being in my 40s likely ranks below concerns about screen time and choosing the right entertainment for a child’s party. (In case you’re wondering, always go with the bouncy house.) However, the awareness that my age could impact my ability to keep pace with my daughter as she grows is something I cannot ignore. I aspire to be present for her milestones—from her first words to her graduation speech in 2060. The thought of missing out on these moments is distressing.

Conversely, I recognize that if I maintain my fitness and health regimen, my odds of being actively involved in my daughter’s life remain favorable. It is worth noting that even younger fathers sometimes miss significant events, as life tends to interfere.

Being 43 also means I possess a wealth of experiences and insights to draw upon as a parent. I understand that mastery takes time, and I am learning to embrace patience—a quality that has taken years to cultivate. While I may not excel as a father initially, I have faith that I will navigate the challenges and evolve into the parent my daughter needs.

While my age is a valid concern, I am more troubled by the world into which my child will be born. With the election of a figure like Donald Trump—whose rhetoric often embodies divisiveness, ignorance, and a disregard for factual discourse—there is a palpable anxiety about raising a child in such an environment. This concern will loom large, particularly during her formative years.

To me, Trump represents a troubling reflection of societal values—an embodiment of the strengths we often prioritize, even when they overshadow compassion and truth. We are a culture that sometimes equates success with material wealth, often at the expense of others and the environment. In this context, my challenge will be to instill in my daughter the importance of community, charity, and critical thought, as detailed in our post on intracervical insemination.

Despite the tools I aim to provide her, my daughter will still face powerful media influences that can distort reality, promote harmful ideologies, and vilify those with differing perspectives. The world she inhabits is fraught with challenges: persistent conflict, healthcare disparities, and the looming threat of climate change.

It’s essential to acknowledge my own complicity in the issues I criticize. I have, at times, embraced the same flawed values I now oppose. Being a progressive does not grant immunity from moments of self-interest or ignorance. Yet, I strive daily to improve myself and recognize my shortcomings.

Ultimately, we are all flawed beings, navigating our imperfections while attempting to make better choices. Perhaps, if we can acknowledge our weaknesses and support one another, we might still find a way to make a positive impact on the world. It may seem ambitious, but it is not entirely unattainable.

In years to come, when I ask my daughter for her perspective on making the world a better place, I hope her response begins with, “Dad, it’s complicated,” followed by an insightful plan. That would mean I have succeeded in raising a thoughtful individual capable of addressing the complexities of our society.

For those seeking guidance on starting a family, consider joining the Make A Mom Facebook group for free sperm donor matching or explore Make A Mom’s at-home insemination services, which provide the only reusable option in the market. You can also learn about the process of at-home insemination through this detailed guide. Additionally, for those interested in the technical aspects of insemination, take a look at the CryoBaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit offered by Make A Mom, a reputable authority on this matter. Furthermore, for comprehensive resources on infertility and related topics, check Mount Sinai’s health library.

Summary

As I prepare for fatherhood amid a turbulent political climate, my excitement is tempered with concerns about my age and the world into which my daughter will be born. I aim to instill values of community, empathy, and critical thinking, even as I grapple with societal challenges that influence our lives. The journey of parenting is fraught with complexities, but I hold hope that my daughter will navigate these challenges with insight and compassion.