What It Means To Be A Dad
Father's Day is coming up on Sunday. It's a day to celebrate Dads everywhere and what we do for our kids and families. I've been a dad for nearly 13 years now. Becoming a parent changes you as a person. I'm a different man now, then I was before I had kids, and that's a good thing. Because this is the most important job I'll ever have.
What does it mean to be a Dad? Listen, I'm no parenting expert. I'm messing up when it comes to parenting too. But there are a few things that I'm certain of. The first thing I'm certain of is time. Making time for your kids. Doing things with them. It can be as simple as taking a walk or stopping off for an ice cream cone. I think sometimes we believe that the memories our kids will have are going to be the big ones. A family vacation or a really big trip. And while they will remember those times, they'll also remember all the little ones too. The father-son fishing trips. Listening to music with my daughters. Going to the pool in the summer. Now matter what you do, your kids will appreciate the time you give them.
The second thing I've learned as a parent is sacrifice. I'll admit this one takes time. I'm still learning to be better at it. Before you have kids it's just you and your significant other. You are each other's only focus. When the kids come, that changes. No more buying new clothes whenever you want. No more having a cool car. It's time for something with room for the kids. Sacrifice. It's learning to put your own needs and wants on the back burner and instead focus on the wants and needs of your family. It's easy to sit here and preach about this one but I'll admit it. This one takes time. I'm guilty of wanting things just like anyone else. Have you seen my record collection lately? But it's gotten easier as I've gotten older to realize that my needs just aren't as important as theirs.
This week I was asked, what do you want for Father's Day? I'm sure my kids and wife will come up with something nice but really all I want is recognition. Some appreciation for the daily job that is being a parent. I'd like my kids to look at me and say Dad may not always know what the heck he's doing, but he sure does love us. He sure is there for us. He tries every day to make our lives better. That's all I want for Father's Day. That and a hug. Those are great too.