One thing that I’ve learned through my own personal highs and lows is that every day presents opportunities to build confidence in my kids. No matter what is happening around, there are a few simple actions I can take every day that will help them grow in confidence. When these seven things are done consistently over time, they send a very clear message that children are loved, cared for, and believed in by their dad.
If we’re ever going to change the perception of dads, it requires us to drive the change in how we show up for our family. And that takes our full energy and commitment! Putting in the energy needed to build relationships can be exhausting, but it’s worth it. When you know what drains your energy vs what recharges your energy, you can make choices that maximize the return.
With each day that passes, the voices are louder and the needs are greater. How do we move through continued racial injustice in a positive and productive way What are you supposed to do as a dad through all this? What do you tell your kids? Do you even tell your kids? How do you talk about these big world issues without scaring them?
Surprising research on the many benefits of kindness. Kindness is linked to happiness…and happiness is linked to showing more kindness. What would happen if we chose to show kindness instead of frustration, disappointment, or anger?
We’ve been hearing a lot in recent years about “erasing the stigma” and talking more openly about mental health issues. This is particularly important with regard to fathers of young children since men are not only at increased risk for depression in the postpartum period, but also less likely than mothers to seek help.
If the last few weeks have reminded us of anything, it is just how important our health is to our overall sense of well-being and quality of life. Simply put, without our health, nothing else matters – all the accolades at work, the money, new cars, and extravagant vacations – don’t matter if you are not well.