Obama: We’ve offered ‘a little extra support’ for fathers

President Obama used his weekly address to talk about being a father, what he called his “hardest, but always my most rewarding job,” and what his administration is doing for dad’s across America in tough economic times.

“Above all, children need our unconditional love – whether they succeed or make mistakes; when life is easy and when life is tough,” the president said Saturday. “And life is tough for a lot of Americans today.  More and more kids grow up without a father figure.  Others miss a father who’s away serving his country in uniform. And even for those dads who are present in their children’s lives, the recession has taken a harsh toll.”

{mosads}On Father’s Day weekend, Obama said his administration was working to offer “a little extra support” to help American fathers.

“We’ve boosted community and faith-based groups focused on fatherhood, partnered with businesses to offer opportunities for fathers to spend time with their kids at the bowling alley or ballpark,” he said, “and worked with military chaplains to help deployed dads connect with their children.”

Obama noted that he had grown up without his own father around, as well as some of the mistakes he’s made with his own children.

“But between my own experiences growing up,” he said, “and my ongoing efforts to be the best father I can be, I’ve learned a few things about what our children need most from their parents.”