In this particular article, LaRossa discusses his research on fathers with a specific focus on the 1950s, which I found fascinating because that was an interesting era for the perception of fathers.

On the one hand, you had the pop culture presentation of fathers in sitcoms like “Leave It to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” where dads were portrayed as kind, thoughtful sages who were often deeply involved in solving the problems of the children.

On the flip side, though, you have the portrayals of fathers who came back from the horrors of World War II who were distant and buried themselves so much in their careers that they had no time for their families.

LaRossa explained that his research supports neither “myth” about the fathers of the time period.

“Needless to say, separating fact from fiction is a challenge – and, for some, an epistemologically meaningless exercise,” LeRossa said. “But if it is believed that researchers can, and should, carefully piece together information to provide a reasonably accurate picture of things, then it is important to ask, to what extent do these stories of fathers in the 1950s empirically hold up? My read of the historical evidence is that the stories fall short.”

He described how, although mothers in the 1950s still were considered the primary nurturers for the family while fathers were the primary breadwinners, he found plenty of evidence demonstrating that the roles where much more nuanced than the stereotypical portrayals.

It may be nearly 70 years since the end of that specific decade, but I think it can be too easy today to see fathers through similar inaccurate lenses.

Just as with motherhood, it’s not always easy to be a good father.

It’s a role that can vary widely depending on circumstances, experiences, family dynamics and even individual personalities.

But I think there are so many fathers out there who really do an amazing job, despite the challenges.

When I think of the fathers who I know who I respect the most, I don’t think of whether they fit the mold of television personalities or classic masculinity. I hope we’ve come to realize that those images are quite flawed.

No, I think of dads who care — and who consistently show that they care.

They are the ones who take the time to listen to their children instead of getting lost in the noise that constantly surrounds us.

They are the ones who find ways to be present instead of excuses to be absent.

They are the ones who aid their children in developing problem-solving skills instead of feeling like they have to fix every problem.

They are the ones who demonstrate the emotions are valuable instead of something to bottle up or dismiss.

And, most importantly to me, they are the ones whose children know that their father loves them despite his human imperfections and mistakes.

So to all the many great dads who find ways to do all those things for their children, whether they are a few days old or a few decades old, let me take this moment applaud your efforts and say thank you.

Most importantly, I want to say that to my own dad, who showed me the value of doing all of those things.

Happy Father’s Day.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Daily Herald and can be reached at jlloyd@heraldextra.com.