5 things I Think I Did Right
0Truth is, I never really gave much thought to being a dad. I didn’t make plans or anything. In fact, I feel like I’ve stumbled through this crazy ride, tripping up plenty of places along the way. But despite my buffoonery, my 14 year old and 11 year old seem to be turning into quite fine human beings. Therefore, I must have done something right along the way. To help my fellow dads and dads-to-be, I feel I must share my five things:
Reading isn’t just a good way to teach your children, it also teaches them to use their imagination and mastery of the language. My wife and I read to our kids every night when they were younger. Both my kids are excellent students and writers in school now, and I attribute that to reading. My son has even published a book at the age of nine (thanks to lulu.com)!
Family dinners …
It sounds cheesy and cliche, but sitting down at the dinner table every night as a family is an excellent way to stay connected. We all share two “highs” and two “lows” of our day, which helps teach conversation and keeps everybody up-to-date.
Play with your kids …
Go to the playground, play video games, sit in your child’s room and build Lego with them … whatever it takes. Again, this teaches them to use their imagination. It also bonds your relationship with your kids.
Teach them stuff …
Include your children when you do something. Not only do they learn a valuable skill (like mowing the lawn or putting away dishes), but you get to impart some serious, grade A knowledge on those little suckers!
Just be there …
This goes hand-in-hand with my third item, but takes it a step further. This is going to their dance recitals, taking them to cub scouts, driving them to the other Target to find that special toy. When you give up your time, you show them that they mean something to you. You’re their dad, no matter what they say or how they act, they look up to you … show them they’re important to you; and there’s no better way than giving them your time.
About TJ Hanton
Father of two, husband of one. I've been a husband for over 16 years and a dad for 14 of them. My wife is my soul-mate and my kids are my life ... cliche, I know, but it is what it is. I'm an avid technophile and card-carrying geek and hail from Northern Virginia (by way of Northern California).
