‘Dadness’ and what it means
So what’s the meaning of “dadness”? That was the topic comedian Jerry Seinfeld discussed — with a dose of wit, of course — as the host of the April 20 Los Angeles Fatherhood Lunch that benefited the Good+ Foundation.
Held at the Palm Restaurant in Beverly Hills, the affair raised about $200,000 and brought out a list of comedians, actors, writers, talent representatives and other supporters including Bob Saget, Judd Apatow, Michael Richards, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sean Patrick Thomas, Dan Bucatinsky, Don Roos, Brad Falchuk, George Shapiro and Bryan Lourd.
The New York-based Good+ Foundation, which has an office in L.A., works to strengthen families through its partnerships with the Children’s Institute’s Project Fatherhood program and other service providers and organizations. In April, the foundation announced its name change from the Baby Buggy charity, which was started by Seinfeld’s wife, Jessica, in 2001.
“We learned almost immediately that if you really want to help the baby, you have to help the whole family,” said Jessica Seinfeld, who started Baby Buggy to provide diapers, strollers, cribs and other necessities to families in need. “You have to help the siblings. You have to help the mother and you have to help the father.”
And speaking of fathers and their roles, Seinfeld had plenty to say on the subject. 1. A greater understanding of life’s purpose
Seinfeld said one aspect of being a dad that he loves is the remolding of one’s perspective, mind-set and life force that happens when a man has a child in his life. “You just have a different perspective on your daily existence and what it’s about and what is your purpose,” he said.
2. A dad’s highest achievement
Seinfeld said that “ultimate dadness” is reached when “your kids think you’re out of it, and you’re irrelevant and you’re useless. When the kids are laughing that dad doesn’t know what’s going on, you’ve arrived.”
3. Communication is key
“Guys have problems just like women have problems,” Seinfeld said. “But women are naturally disposed to communicate with each other. Men are not.” However, by sharing problems, he said, “The first thing you find out is that you’re not alone.… As soon as you let down [your guard] with another man, you become stronger.” 4. On being a dad
“Being a dad is the greatest pain in the ass in the world — if you can possibly be involved in it,” he said.