Kids paint a pretty picture

If men are the new women, it sure doesn't show.

Guys, especially dads, haven't changed that much over the years. True, men might be more in touch with their feminine side- we've got Oprah, Dr. Phil and Dan Fogelberg to thank for that- and yes, there are more stay-at-home dads than ever before. Statistics show the number of Mr. Moms has been on the rise for the past 10 years. But still, guys are guys. They're in the garage, on the golf course or sitting in front of the tube watching the game. Masculinity remains alive and well.

Some like to work in the yard, others tinker in the shop. But a true dad also spends countless hours coaching his son or daughter, setting up a birthday party or pushing a grocery cart when called up. Not all are Disneyland dads. A real father stays involved 24/7. They're the ones we pay homage to this Sun., June 17, which is Father's Day.

The Acorn has had a tradition of recognizing moms on Mother's Day. Each year, we invite readers to put into words

what their maternal parent means to them

and why mothers are so special. Everybody loves their mom. But what about the dads? Aren't they loved, too?

This year, we decided to experiment and found that while children like to write about mom, they prefer to draw pictures of dad.

The results of this (science) experiment can be seen beginning on page 31A. Readers were asked to cut out the blank template of a head that we published in earlier issues and draw a picture of what their father looks like.

The readers, most of them young ones, responded overwhelmingly by returning dozens of daffy drawings.

No kidding.

Smart faces, funny faces, handsome faces and more. You name it, these kids can draw.

Dad, don't take it personally. If you've got really big ears it just means you're a good listener. If your hair isn't quite right, maybe it's because it isn't there any more. Not all of the information included with the drawings was legible so please pardon us if we missed a beat. And not all of the drawings could be printed in color. Remember, it's the thought that counts.

In this issue of The Acorn, please enjoy our special "draw your dad" Father's Day tribute. Dads, you deserve it.