As Father's Day approaches, I can't help but think about how I'd like to spend this special day.
It is a special day obviously, because it honors fathers for their critical role in raising their children.
But Father's Day is about much more than just one day.
It's about the past year, and the year to come.
Here's my advice to help fathers enjoy the day, and gain some perspective on the past and future year.
Relax This is something most dads don't need help doing but since it only makes sense for fathers to spend time with their kids, how do they do that and still relax? Well, maybe dads can have a little quiet time in the morning to start the day.
Have your kids or wife bring you the newspaper or favorite reading material and enjoy it while the smells of breakfast make their way to your quiet place.
Another option is to choose an activity that you enjoy but is still fun for the kids.
If you're a golfer, maybe a round at a par 3 course or nearby miniature golf course will work for everyone.
Baseball is your game? Then catch your local team at the ballpark or play a little pitch and catch in the backyard while you tell stories of how good you were way back when.
Perhaps the best option is to get away and do something on your own or with some friends, sans kids.
Taking a break from fathering can put the "special" in special day.
Reflect Sure, you can enjoy the day by getting out and doing something fun.
But if you want to add some meaning, try reflecting on the past year and what it has meant to your fathering.
Pull out your calendar and recall the times you spent with your children.
There are the special times like birthdays, school events and vacations, but also the challenges like that school project, fight with a friend, college rejection letter, or funeral.
How did you help your children through these difficult times? Did your relationship grow? What lessons have you taught them? Use Father's Day as a time marker to pause and reflect on the previous year.
You'll gain a much better perspective on fatherhood, and much more appreciation for your kids' maturity and development.
Recommit Amid all the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of fathering, we should periodically reconsider the commitments we've made and decide whether we can improve upon them or create new ones.
Father's Day is a good time to do that.
So what kind of commitments should you consider? I'm referring to the long-term, enduring commitments to your kids like modeling and teaching family values, saving for their college education, or helping them to grow spiritually.
Since the past year is now fresh in your mind, ask yourself what you can do differently this coming year.
Do you want to have one more dinner together each week? Maybe it's time to start those special dates with your kids - taking them out to breakfast or dinner for some focused one-on-one time.
Think about the impact either of those ideas could have on your relationship, and how they would have helped deal with the challenges your kids encountered last year.
You know, the calendar is a powerful tool, even if it's not a Palm or BlackBerry.
Regardless of its form, it shows us how we spent the previous year, and helps us decide how to spend the next year.
If we use it well, we'll be able to relax and enjoy the next Father's Day even more.
It is a special day obviously, because it honors fathers for their critical role in raising their children.
But Father's Day is about much more than just one day.
It's about the past year, and the year to come.
Here's my advice to help fathers enjoy the day, and gain some perspective on the past and future year.
Relax This is something most dads don't need help doing but since it only makes sense for fathers to spend time with their kids, how do they do that and still relax? Well, maybe dads can have a little quiet time in the morning to start the day.
Have your kids or wife bring you the newspaper or favorite reading material and enjoy it while the smells of breakfast make their way to your quiet place.
Another option is to choose an activity that you enjoy but is still fun for the kids.
If you're a golfer, maybe a round at a par 3 course or nearby miniature golf course will work for everyone.
Baseball is your game? Then catch your local team at the ballpark or play a little pitch and catch in the backyard while you tell stories of how good you were way back when.
Perhaps the best option is to get away and do something on your own or with some friends, sans kids.
Taking a break from fathering can put the "special" in special day.
Reflect Sure, you can enjoy the day by getting out and doing something fun.
But if you want to add some meaning, try reflecting on the past year and what it has meant to your fathering.
Pull out your calendar and recall the times you spent with your children.
There are the special times like birthdays, school events and vacations, but also the challenges like that school project, fight with a friend, college rejection letter, or funeral.
How did you help your children through these difficult times? Did your relationship grow? What lessons have you taught them? Use Father's Day as a time marker to pause and reflect on the previous year.
You'll gain a much better perspective on fatherhood, and much more appreciation for your kids' maturity and development.
Recommit Amid all the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of fathering, we should periodically reconsider the commitments we've made and decide whether we can improve upon them or create new ones.
Father's Day is a good time to do that.
So what kind of commitments should you consider? I'm referring to the long-term, enduring commitments to your kids like modeling and teaching family values, saving for their college education, or helping them to grow spiritually.
Since the past year is now fresh in your mind, ask yourself what you can do differently this coming year.
Do you want to have one more dinner together each week? Maybe it's time to start those special dates with your kids - taking them out to breakfast or dinner for some focused one-on-one time.
Think about the impact either of those ideas could have on your relationship, and how they would have helped deal with the challenges your kids encountered last year.
You know, the calendar is a powerful tool, even if it's not a Palm or BlackBerry.
Regardless of its form, it shows us how we spent the previous year, and helps us decide how to spend the next year.
If we use it well, we'll be able to relax and enjoy the next Father's Day even more.
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