So, dad, what are you thinking about doing differently in the new year? Planning on
dropping a few pounds? Giving up caffeine? Reading a book a month? Running a 5K?
These are all great resolutions, but you might want to add one …
The first, most obvious area to consider is
your involvement in your kids’ lives. For many of us, the best way to improve as a dad is to
spend more time with your children …
- You could commit to a weekly activity with your son.
- Instead of sitting down and watching ESPN or scrolling through the updates on your phone, you could spend the first 30 minutes with your kids when you walk in the door.
- Why not take your daughter on that weekend trip you’ve been promising her, or start a regular daddy date night?
- Start a new routine of helping your kids with homework, practicing a sport or skill, doing the bedtime routine, or fixing a meal on a regular basis.
If you’re like many dads, your biggest concern in relating to your kids is probably
finding the time. So take out your calendar app right now and mark out blocks of time to spend with each child. Then, get your hands on your kids’ school calendar and make sure you can attend the conferences and special events.
And here’s one more action item for being a good father in the new year:
Go public.
You’ll be a lot more likely to keep your commitment if you post your intentions publicly. Posting it
on Facebook or other social media is one thing, but also make a point to tell your wife, your kids, or a group of good friend who can check in with you regularly about it. (Best idea: tell them all!)
This New Year, don’t just make resolutions.
Make commitments. Turn ideals into reality, and reach for greatness as a dad.
