Why Do Fathers Experience Premature Graying?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences of fathers regarding premature graying of hair, often linked to their children's adventurous activities. Participants share personal anecdotes, express concerns, and reflect on the emotional impact of parenting in relation to their children's risks and experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note an increase in gray hair as a direct response to their children's risky activities, such as climbing and flying.
  • There is a discussion about the psychological aspects of fear and danger, with one participant suggesting that understanding this difference is crucial for both parents and children.
  • Several participants share humorous anecdotes about their children's activities and the resulting gray hair, indicating a mix of pride and concern.
  • One participant mentions the scientific aspect of hair graying as a loss of pigmentation rather than an actual color change.
  • There are playful exchanges about the potential for future activities, such as skydiving, which could further contribute to gray hair.
  • Some participants engage in light-hearted banter regarding physical fitness and body image, relating it to their experiences with climbing and health.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share similar sentiments about the emotional toll of parenting and the humorous side of graying hair, but there is no consensus on the underlying causes or implications of these experiences. The discussion remains largely anecdotal and exploratory.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and subjective interpretations of risk, fear, and parenting, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion also touches on the interplay between physical activities and emotional responses, but lacks rigorous scientific analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents, particularly fathers, who are navigating the challenges of raising adventurous children may find this discussion relatable and engaging.

dlgoff
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In my case anyway, this does:

rock_1.png

rock_4.png

rock_6.png
 
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Biology news on Phys.org
dlgoff said:
In my case anyway, this does:

...
:oldsurprised:
 
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Well, at least she's using ropes and harnesses properly. Does that make you feel better? :biggrin:
 
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StatGuy2000 said:
Does that make you feel better?
Not really. She commented to a friend that said "Scary" where she replied, "If you know what you're doing it not; just fun." Being old, I know how being "over confident" can sometimes bit you. :oldcry:
 
Oooohhh...she's cute! (And see - now you have even more gray hair! :devil: )
 
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She's on belay. Do you trust her partner who is on belay?
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Oooohhh...she's cute! (And see - now you have even more gray hair! :devil: )
She's my BABY! But I think I can trust you. :approve:
 
berkeman said:
She's on belay. Do you trust her partner who is on belay?
Hell, I don't even know her partner. Thanks for more gray hair. :oldgrumpy:
 
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I think I would like to counsel kids coming up on that age to strive to know the difference between fear and danger. (Including my fear for their danger :cry:). One problematic conflation between the two occurs when the mind attempts to address fear not by recognizing fear as an aspect of the mind, but by pretending there is no danger via another aspect of the mind, confirmation bias ('I just survived a risk. See, accidents can't happen to me'). Confirmation bias is likewise something that can never be completely waived away, but is countered by constant checks, questioning of assumptions, and investigations of the mistakes of others.

To my mind, the military is unmatched at risk assessment in this regard, born of necessity I suppose, due to the nature of placing people purposely in danger, not for fun but for maximizing outcomes.
 
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  • #10
I've gotten several more gray hairs lately. :oldcry:

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  • #11
Congratulations on a job well done to you. Now watch more pictures like this and accumulate grEy hair :D
 
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  • #12
I like her "I dropped my car keys" expression on the lower picture.
 
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  • #13
Vanadium 50 said:
I like her "I dropped my car keys" expression on the lower picture.
If that were me, I'd be dropping my lunch. :oldruck:
 
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  • #14
Update on my hair. Much grayer now that my daughter has discovered ice. :oldcry:

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  • #15
Wow! Am I ever glad that neither of my daughters ever discovered climbing. Both are now old enough to know better (which just means that it will now be their fault, not mine!). She is very pretty, but that does little to relieve the concern of a father.
 
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  • #16
dlgoff said:
Update on my hair. Much grayer now that my daughter has discovered ice. :oldcry:

Looks like she's not in Kansas anymore...
 
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  • #17
I went to visit my daughter and came home with more gray hair.

my climber & i.jpg
 

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  • #18
Wow! Very brave! I can't imagine myself doing that.
 
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  • #19
dlgoff said:
I went to visit my daughter and came home with more gray hair.

View attachment 227168

I'm assuming this is boyfriend ?the geologist in me can't help but look at the nice tilted sediments in the background :smile:
 
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  • #20
davenn said:
I'm assuming this is boyfriend ?
No. It's me.
 
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  • #21
dlgoff said:
No. It's me.
Don't you see the gray hair?
 
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  • #22
Count your blessings - she hasn't discovered skydiving yet.

(And if she is reading this thread... you have my deepest and most sincere apologies for this post)
 
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  • #23
Nugatory said:
and most sincere apologies for this post)
Uh-huh, suurrreeee you do.:wink::wink::wink:
 
  • #24
dlgoff said:
No. It's me.
oops, sorry … but take it as a compliment for you looking younger than you are :biggrin:
 
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  • #25
Nugatory said:
Count your blessings - she hasn't discovered skydiving yet.
If she ever does, can I get you to change "Gray" in the thread title to "White"?
 
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  • #26
dlgoff said:
If she ever does, can I get you to change "Gray" in the thread title to "White"?
Any of the mentors can take care of that, upon receipt of satisfactory photographic evidence to support the change request.
 
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  • #27
Nugatory said:
Any of the mentors can take care of that, upon receipt of satisfactory photographic evidence to support the change request.
Will do.
 
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  • #28
Nugatory said:
Count your blessings - she hasn't discovered skydiving yet.

(And if she is reading this thread... you have my deepest and most sincere apologies for this post)
Update. She's starting flying lessons in August. Is skydiving next ...:oldcry:
 
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  • #29
LOL, hang in there Don! :smile:
 
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  • #30
dlgoff said:
Update. She's starting flying lessons in August. Is skydiving next ...:oldcry:
sorry buddy ... but, I just couldn't help but laugh, looking at the way this thread has progressed :biggrin:

fortunately my daughter inherited some of my fear of heights/falling ( self preservation) and she is very happy with just doing lots of mountain trail hikes
I was able to transition from black to grey and going on to white without any input from her :rolleyes:Dave
 
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