Kibey shared his agreement with Barbosa and took a moment to reflect on how his father had raised him. He acknowledged that all parents strive to do their best for their kids and recognized the sacrifices his parents made for him. Kibey attributed his success to their efforts, stating that he wouldn’t be where he is today without them. Looking back on his childhood, Kibey appreciated how his dad prioritized education and worked hard to provide him and his siblings with opportunities for higher education.
During the panel, Valentin inquired about “daddy guilt.” In response, Robinson shared his personal experience. He described how, after making decisions for his children, he often questions whether he has given them the right advice or if he’s leading them in the right direction. Robinson also mentioned that he did not have a father figure to turn to for guidance in such situations, as he grew up without a father.
Fitzpatrick then added: “Daddy guilt is tied to responsibility. And it’s called anticipatory guilt. You hope it will work out, but you’ll feel like it’s your responsibility if it doesn’t. That’s very common. So yes, absolutely – daddy guilt is real (…). It is very clear that when fathers are involved in the educational life of the children, the children perform better in school, have fewer behavioral problems, have higher attendance, and participation in after-school activities, better verbal skills.
Their math performance is way higher if they have a close relationship with their father. So, if a father shows up for their children, it has a measurable impact throughout their life.”
“In today’s modern world, abundant information and distractions exist for our children to navigate. We must acknowledge this complexity and make a concerted effort to understand their experiences and perspectives. By establishing our values and finding ways to connect with their world, we can better interpret and guide them through it,” Commissioner Garcia added to the conversation.
Immediately after the panel discussion, attendees were taken to their seats to enjoy the game between the Houston Astros and their all-time rivals, the Texas Rangers. The Astros once again brought all the joy to the field, winning the game 4-3!
Thanks to The Astros Foundation and Challenge Office Products and Furniture Solutions for sponsoring ¡Qué padre! Fathers Impacting Lives panel discussion. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Parent-Child (PCEP) and Adult Education Programs.