Super Dad

Whenever actor George Reeves the actor who played Superman in the 1950's would make a public appearance in his Superman costume, kids would come up and kick him in the shins, punch him in the back and, one time, a child pointed a loaded .45 at him. They figured since he was the "man of steel", he couldn't be hurt.
Dads, do you try to be Superman to your kids? Never showing sensitivity and vulnerability? Do we act like we are ok even when we are going through tough times? True masculinity is letting your children know that, at times, you struggle with sorrow, anxiety, anger and depression. But you work through these things. As men most of us were taught to not show very much emotion, not to cry or be sensitive in front of others. We hide our vulnerabilities and we pretend we aren't scared of anything and nothing bothers us. Its OK to show emotion as a man. Some men are sensitive, others are not, that doesn't make you less of a man in any way we need to know that.
Also, it is ok to show our kids some of that vulnerability. I know as fathers we want to be our child's superman and their hero as well. Part of doing that is showing them that at times everything doesn't go their way and you will be frustrated and it's how you deal with those tough times that show what we are really made of.
Research has demonstrated, time and again, that children especially teens look to their parents for guidance regarding every important aspect of their lives. Drugs, sex, appropriate conduct at school, friends, money you name it they want to hear from us. So in turn we owe it to them to be open and honest with them, not to avoid situations that are unpleasant, cause if we do they will seek advice from somewhere else. Teaching your children by example how to persevere through pain will make them "super" human beings.