The Special Life of Ordinary Dads

For the past 20 years, 'Daddy & I,' published by Mom & I, has been at the forefront of the culture in the New York and New Jersey communities. It shares everything about dads who have perhaps been somewhat distanced from the center of parenting and childcare, aligning with the current trend of fathers stepping closer to their children.

The magazine unfolds the 'special' stories of 'ordinary' dads, covering topics such as education, parenting, fashion, hobbies, and lifestyle. Together with 'Daddy & I,' we envision a happy home created by happy dads—a beginning of the happy world that Mom & I dreams of.

The First Story We Share Together

By Joo Eul-ryang, Head of Digital Business Division, Mom & I

When I first started working in Korea, I often saw my senior colleagues jokingly saying they needed to work overtime to cover their children's tuition fees. At that time, I remember thinking that instead of working late to send their kids to more after-school programs, it would be better for dads to leave work early and spend time with their children. However, as time passed, I realized that while young children seek their fathers, as they grow a little older, their interest shifts more towards what their fathers provide rather than the fathers themselves.

Even now in my 40s, I have conversations with my father on various topics without any awkwardness. This is likely because I have been communicating with him since my childhood, even in ways I don’t remember. My belief that it’s better to go home early and spend time with my kids rather than work late may have been influenced by my father. Now that I have become a father myself, I understand how challenging it can be to communicate with children.

During this pandemic, as families spend more time together at home, I have come to realize how important a father's role is within the family. For children, there are times when just having their father nearby is comforting, and there are also moments when they want to engage in active conversation and discussion. What do fathers need to create this ideal image of being a strict yet affectionate dad, a friend to chat with, and someone they can lean on? Oddly enough, I loved musicians from my father's generation when I was a child. Although my father was not a music expert, he shared many amusing anecdotes about those musicians, which I found very entertaining. Interestingly, my child also enjoys the music from my teenage years, long before they were born. This realization that something as simple as music can bridge generations has taught me that there is no need to do something grand or extraordinary to communicate with my children as a father.

Twenty years ago, Mom & I provided valuable information to Korean immigrant mothers in New Jersey when media platforms were not as diverse. Now, with advancements in IT and the development of various networks, we live in an age of information overload, yet Mom & I continues to connect with the Korean community through warm stories about our families and neighbors. However, it suddenly struck me that while Mom & I has shared many family stories centered around mothers and children over the past 20 years, we have not adequately explored the stories of fathers. Given the significant changes and increased importance of fathers' roles in families today, Mom & I wants to delve into these fathers' stories. Therefore, we are excited to launch 'Daddy & I,' another magazine under the Mom & I umbrella.

'Daddy & I' will naturally be shaped by the participation of fathers. Any father can share their experiences or thoughts on any topic in 'Daddy & I.' If you have experiences, talents, or ideas you would like to share, please email us at daddymomandi@gmail.com. We look forward to the participation of many fathers who wish to connect with their children.