Joel Leon: The beautiful, hard work of co-parenting | TED
TED・1 minute read
Joel reflects on his experience growing up without discussions on fatherhood roles, seeing his mother as a strong single parent and lacking stable co-parenting models. He emphasizes the importance of shared responsibilities, equitable communication, and fathers' active involvement in creating a nurturing environment for children.
Insights
- Joel's upbringing was marked by a lack of positive fatherhood role models, as he associated terms like "absentee father" with the norm, highlighting the absence of discussions on co-parenting or shared responsibilities.
- Despite his past experiences, Joel now advocates for co-parenting, emphasizing shared responsibilities, equitable communication, and active father involvement, showcasing a shift towards nurturing environments for children and breaking away from negative stereotypes surrounding fatherhood.
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Recent questions
What negative terms did Joel associate with fatherhood growing up?
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How did Joel view the term "co-parent" based on his upbringing?
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Who was a strong parental figure in Joel's life despite lacking a stable partner?
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How did Joel navigate his co-parenting journey with his daughter, Lilah?
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What does Joel advocate for in terms of co-parenting and fatherhood involvement?
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Summary
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Reframing Fatherhood: Joel's Co-Parenting Advocacy
- Growing up, Joel never heard the term "co-parent," instead, he heard derogatory terms like "absentee father," "sperm donor," "deadbeat dad," and "baby daddy."
- Joel associated "co-parent" with white families in Netflix dramas, not as a term to explain parental roles.
- Joel's upbringing lacked discussions on fatherhood roles, with absent or nonexistent fathers being the norm.
- Joel's mother, Linda T, was a strong single parent, showcasing real love and co-parenting despite lacking a stable partner.
- Joel's co-parenting journey with Lilah, his daughter, involved not living together but sharing responsibilities and schedules with her mother.
- Co-parenting, as Joel advocates, aims for shared responsibilities, equitable communication, and creating a nurturing environment for children, emphasizing the importance of fathers' active involvement.
