The Best Things About Fatherhood Are Free

Dec 13th, 2009 | By Jeff Sass | Category: Advice, Article

Fotolia_18875491_XSMovies, bowling, pizza, arcades, museums, concerts, shows, Ice Capades, circuses, Chucky Cheese, Dave & Busters, ice skating, rollerskating, sporting events, shopping, pottery, fairs, carnivals, planetariums, aquariums, theme parks, amusement parks, skiing, go-carts…  There are no shortage of ways to spend money to entertain our kids, and spend we do.  As much as they have fun and enjoy these costly excursions, is that really what our kids want from us?

This weekend I went on two, hour-long walks with my oldest son.  We walked, we talked, I listened to him and asked him questions, and I listened to his answers and asked him more.  I gave him advice and encouragement and he gave me a tremendous sense of pride as he shared glimpses of the fine young man he has become.

Taking the time to walk, talk and listen with my son I realized that as a Dad I have been guilty of too often taking the easy way out and “paying” to entertain my kids, when all they really want is my time and attention.  They don’t really want to “go somewhere” or “do something” as much as they want to simply spend time with me, and have me really be there with them, giving them one hundred percent of my attention during that time. The most rewarding activity for them and me, is free!  I need to remember that more often.

Sure, time is money… but the time we really spend with our kids is priceless.

Agree?

Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 21, Ethan, 19 and Olivia, 18).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes! and Social Networking Rehab.

Photo Credit: © Metin Tolun – Fotolia.com

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  • abhiiishekk
    we are going to organize golf holidays in costa del sol . where many of golfing experts are going to arrive their to show their performances. i think this could be the attraction point for media. they can use this news and events as celebrity news. if any one want to have more knowledge about that then they can visit our link given above.
    thank you.
  • Hi Jeff-
    Well said!
    I'm a mom, and I see other moms running around taking their kids from activity to activity. They feel really great about themselves because their kids are involved in everything. By the time they get home, their kids are whining because they're tired and hungry. They have dinner on-the-go and then it's off to bed.
    I don't feel that pull to entertain my son with expensive pastimes like most of my friends do. I have my own business and am fortunate to work from home. Because I value time with my husband and son, I work the T.I.M.E. into my day. We sit down for dinner as a family every night, play games, do homework, and read books.
    So, yes, I definitely agree with you that the time we really spend with our kids is priceless!
  • Thanks Pamela,

    Great that you are able to work at home and find the balance to spend time with the kids. Dinner every night is something I am glad we used to do and something I wish we would have done even more. One of my favorite quiet times with the kids was also walking with them to the school bus stop in the mornings. Now that they all drive themselves to school I miss the old morning routine. Happy Holidays.
  • Thanks for the reminder Jeff. Someone told me once, that kids spell love T.I.M.E. And I agree that as much as we love to take my kids places like the zoo and the science museum, and they love when we go, some of our greatest days have taken place in our own backyard.
  • Thanks Ian. Yes, it is the simple stuff, often right at home, that is most lasting and influential. I love your "kids spell love, T.I.M.E." Great way to think of it. Thanks for sharing it!
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