As a single dad of three teenagers, I have had to come to terms with a fact many of us men don’t really like
to concede; I’m mortal. As Clint Eastwood’s character Harry Callahan said so eloquently in Magnum Force, “a man’s got to know his limitations. ” Having kids taught me what Dirty Harry was really talking about.
So, what I’ve learned and now advise to every dad out there is simple. Just don’t sweat it!
Instead, be present in your children’s lives. Give them a hug when you think about it. Actually listen to them when you’re around. And remember you’re only human; you’ll do just fine.
We men naturally want to find solutions. We want to fix things. It’s in our DNA. That’s not necessary when dealing with your kids. What’s really needed is some nurturing, letting your children know that you care.
Let them know that all that hard work you’re doing isn’t just for the glory of your own success, but because you care about them and their well being.
If it doesn’t put you in too awkward of a position, why not tell your children that you love them and that you’re proud of them? Doing hobbies together is very nice. Quality time and quantity time are good things. But what’s really great is giving them that ongoing assurance that you’re in their corner.
No matter what, try not to beat yourself up if you don’t do it perfectly. Our children can be our absolute biggest fans. We men can have some pretty fragile egos. If we’ve taken the time to have real conversations and develop authentic relationships with our children, we have a very nice support team when the world is less than nice to us.
Having children is a beautiful thing. We should all take the time to enjoy the gift we’ve been given.
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Nicely said, Mike. I’ve always been impressed with the way that you, as a single dad, have managed to put your family ahead of your career. And how come you didn’t tell me Chris was working on this cool site? Now I have to go explore. 🙂
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Nicely said, Mike. I’ve always been impressed with the way that you, as a single dad, have managed to put your family ahead of your career. And how come you didn’t tell me Chris was working on this cool site? Now I have to go explore. 🙂
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We have a very strong-willed 3 1/2 year old Darling Daughter. Sometimes, in a test of wills, I’m going to show her who’s actually in charge. I’m learning to walk away, use distraction, etc. I play to win, too often.
Great post!
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We have a very strong-willed 3 1/2 year old Darling Daughter. Sometimes, in a test of wills, I’m going to show her who’s actually in charge. I’m learning to walk away, use distraction, etc. I play to win, too often.
Great post!
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Great stuff. And don’t forget to tell them you love them. Every time you think about it.
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Great stuff. And don’t forget to tell them you love them. Every time you think about it.
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As one of the original “At Home Dads” (my coffee cup is from 1993), and actively involved with Stay-At-Home Dads for many a year, I wanted you to know that you wrote a nice piece. Having Dad take care of the kids has come a LONG way, but there’s still a long way to go – like “Mommy and Me Time” or “Mommy/Toddler Play Time” And, there are still too many men’s bathrooms without changing tables. Glad Sheila had me read your post.
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As one of the original “At Home Dads” (my coffee cup is from 1993), and actively involved with Stay-At-Home Dads for many a year, I wanted you to know that you wrote a nice piece. Having Dad take care of the kids has come a LONG way, but there’s still a long way to go – like “Mommy and Me Time” or “Mommy/Toddler Play Time” And, there are still too many men’s bathrooms without changing tables. Glad Sheila had me read your post.
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Nice story Mike. Just make sure you bring them up to like the Cowboys and the Aggies! 🙂
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Nice story Mike. Just make sure you bring them up to like the Cowboys and the Aggies! 🙂
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I wholeheartedly agree, children are such a wonderful blessing. Making the most of the few years we have with them grows so many things. Our relationships with them, our memories together, future events, their characters, ability to deal with things. Ahhh. I love this site!
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I wholeheartedly agree, children are such a wonderful blessing. Making the most of the few years we have with them grows so many things. Our relationships with them, our memories together, future events, their characters, ability to deal with things. Ahhh. I love this site!
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Ahhh… so good to hear a dad admit that “We men naturally want to find solutions. We want to fix things. It’s in our DNA. That’s not necessary when dealing with your kids.” I think I’ll send this to my husband 🙂
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Ahhh… so good to hear a dad admit that “We men naturally want to find solutions. We want to fix things. It’s in our DNA. That’s not necessary when dealing with your kids.” I think I’ll send this to my husband 🙂
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First of all I want to congratulate with your post. Anyway, this aritcle is great and it is nice to know all of this for our child and to be a good parent also towards them. I will refer this to my parent also. Thanks for sharing this tips and advice. I really appreciate what you did on your blog.