What we don't want them to say

Happy New Year, everyone!

A warm welcome to our new subscribers – thrilled to have you join the family!

It’s been a wonderful week spending quality time with my daughter and dad in Florida.  The photo above is from our trip!  We had a blast at the Mote Aquarium.

These past weeks provided an excellent opportunity for reflection, vision board updates, and a thorough life audit across all realms. As part of this introspection, I delved into my role as a father, contemplating what I want to continue, cease, and enhance. This led me to envision not only the things I wish my daughter to say but also those I hope she doesn’t say about me after childhood.

Let's zero in on those aspects I wouldn't want her to mention:

- My dad made everything easy for me

- My dad never took care of himself or his health

- My dad would run himself to the ground

"My dad made everything easy for me":

As a parent, the goal is not to remove all challenges but to equip our kids with the skills to navigate life independently. Making everything easy – while it’s our natural inclination -- might unintentionally hinder their ability to face and overcome obstacles. It's important to strike a balance between support and allowing them to experience and learn from life's challenges.

"My dad never took care of himself or his health":

Demonstrating self-care is crucial in teaching our kiddos about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. If they perceive that we neglect your well-being, they might adopt similar habits. By prioritizing our health, we not only set a positive example but also ensure we are physically and emotionally present for them in the long run.  I’m already starting to do workouts with my daughter and she enjoys it (even if it’s for 60 seconds lol)

"My dad would run himself to the ground":

Modeling a healthy work-life balance is essential. Running oneself to the ground can lead to burnout and negatively impact our relationship with our kids. It's important to convey that hard work is valuable, but not at the expense of our health and overall well-being. Striking a balance between dedication to work and personal well-being sets a positive example for our kids’ future approach to work and life.

In embracing the new year, let's carry these reflections forward, striving to be the best versions of ourselves for our children and loved ones. Here's to a year filled with growth, connection, and joy!

To Fathering well always,

Bryant

P.S. - What did you think of today’s issue – Let me know what you’d like to see in future posts!  Also, if you took something away today, please share with a friend or family member, thank you!

Question to always keep in mind - How do you want to be remembered?