A couple of weeks ago my youngest daughter, who is eight came to me and asked me to put her to bed. It was about 9:30 pm and we had just gotten home from shopping for school clothes. I was on my way out the door again to go close up the family business.
As I took a few minutes to say prayers and tuck her into bed. We preformed our bedtime ritual of sing some of her favorite songs. What struck me tonight is what she said in her bedtime pray.
As she prayed for those in need, to keep her grandparents safe, for her brother and sister, and that her parents would be able to get all their work done; it hit me that she has been listening to what I’ve been trying to teaching her.
It was a nice warm feeling to know she hears me.
So many times we as parents we get tied up in the daily grind of work, house chores, getting from here to their and seeing that the family has what it needs that we forget to take a few moments and listen to what our children have to say.
Personally I have struggled at times with the notion of slowing down.
Here are 5 things that I have done to try and improve my relationship as father with my kids.
I’m not perfect by any means, in any of these areas. By thinking about these principles and trying to implement them in my life I am becoming a better father.
- Plan time into my schedule for each one of my children. It doesn’t matter if it is an evening, Saturday morning, or Sunday afternoon. What’s important is that they understand it is their time.
- Hold a regular father and child interview. This is a time when you as the father can tell your children how much you love them, see if they are struggling with anything, make plans and plan activities. You can discuss behavior or problems that need to be addressed. (not in the heat of the moment). It’s also good to do this with your wife or significant other, I call it companionship inventory.
- If you have small children and even bigger children tuck them in to bed at night. This lets you talk about their day and lets them know you love them.
- Attend school activities and events when possible. I know it’s not always going to be convenient but it is important.
- Pray as a family and pray for your kids during the pray. This lets them know that you are thinking about them and that you are seeking divine help and intervention for them.
I love being a father and my kids bring me joy and happiness.
Question: What are some of the things you have done or ideas you want to try with your kids as a parent?
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