In this technological age we have developed we sometimes forget we still have control. We can turn off our cell phones, or send the message to voice mail to check when we are not busy with your families. Just a thought...

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One thing I found is Christian Taekwondo, for the following re-ons. 1. With 4 kids, ages 17, 11, 9, 7 it could get hairy if they were all doing 4 different things 2. I do it with them, we get exercise together 2-43 nights a week and have fun doing it 3. We are all learning scriptures, discipline, honor, respect for authorities & our juniors & seniors 4. We get to learn self defense, Jesus said turn the "the" cheek, but we are learning how to not let the first "cheek" get struck ;o) 5. Since we are all at the same level, we get our belts together, practice together, everything together. You can't do this with kids in other sports, either they would be on the field, cort etc... & you are on the sidelines, or Dad is on the field & they are on the sidelines. 6. They get to see me in class following instruction and saying "yes sir" even from kids who have higher belt ranking than I do. Because I set the example in class, they are now following it with a spirit of honor.

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My biggest asset as a father is experience. I am 47 and I have two older daughters, both married and one awesome granddaughter. I also am the father of two boys ages 6 and 4. I don't know how my daughters turned out so AWESOME because it seems I made every mistake possible, as they grew up. They not only thrived, they are my best friends now, and I have such a better understanding and appreciation of what is important for my boys. My priorities are so different now, and all my children seem to respond so well to that. Experience is an awesome teacher, and I am so blessed by the good LORD for the opportunities to have this time with my children!!!!!!

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It only gets better!

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Curious George is on in the mornings on PBS. It is a great show and already have some special times eating cereal with my daughter watching it and then talking about it.

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Great points but "Leave your work, cellular phones and pagers at home when you go on family vacations and outings" is unfortunently not an option anymore in todays 24 hour world expecially those of us who are frequently on-call. 5+ years ago you had a few days to get back with someone on email, now a 24 hour response (or less) is the norm. Remember when people would appologize to you for calling your cell phone?? Not anymore, they do DIRECTLY to the cell now for instand gratification. Not great for quality family time anymore in todays iffy job environment.

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I will be using this in my summer workshops in Alabama.

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A life time of commitment to your children will determine how respectful they will be to you when you become an old man. Remember that time and money invested in your children could be directly proportionate to the time they invest in you at your old age.

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I working early in the morning but always go to the school in the morning and watch my kids ,read 30 minutes all night,my wife and i are part of pta in school spring park elem in jax.

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I have been a cross country and track coach for the last seven years since my son was born. I take him with me to most practices and games. He loves coming with me and spending time together and being around the older kids as well. He's now seven and wants to join a youth track team. We also take Tae Kwon Do together and are at the same belt level. After last track season I quit coaching cross country so I can spend more time with him and be able to go to his sporting events and activities. I don't want him growing up saying that I was always too busy coaching other kids and never had time for him. His school is only 3 blocks from where I teach so I go have lunch with him about once per week.

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I was very fortunate to have a dad who came home from work daily and go into the house and depending on what season it was would get out in the front yard and do things with me. In basebal season he got a ball and gloves and we played catch (he coached all of my teams when I was growing up until I got into school sports), in basketball he got the basketball and we shot the ball everyday and in football, he trew me passes until he got tired of throwing or I got tired of running out for passes. Because he was in my life so much then, he will be in my memories for the rest of my life.

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As one comment said above, you can substitute your wife's name for the children and keep your marriage strong as well. All of my children are grown now and I look back and wish I would have had some of these suggestions when they were young. Grant Teaff, former head coach at Baylor University, spoke at the Texas High School Coaches Association Clinic and offered similar advice on keeping your relationship with your wife close. That was where I picked up on the idea of doing what is suggested in this All Pro Dad article. I feel like I lost some valuable time with my children and sometime spend time trying to hit some home runs now that they are grown. As the old song says, "If I could save time in a bottle" or "The Cats in the Cradle".

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I do these things consistently and could not imagine life without this time with my children. You can also apply these same principles to your marriage by substituting your wife in place of children. Try it! Being a good father and husband is more important than being good at work. Work is essential to support your family but it shouldn't overshadow the importance of BEING WITH your family. Great stuff from All pro dad.

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These are really great ideas to kep your relationship with your children alive and fresh. The Lord has blessed me with two great kids (boy - 12, and girl - 10) I have recently married the love of my life who prayed for a father for her children. God brought us together on 08/08/08 and he has a new life planned for us as a family. My prayer is each day...Lord I pray that you will help me be the best father and husband to my family, that I will learn and grow closer to our Father together.

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The school is a big hit. I work 3rd shift and do not have custody of my 2 boys. Working late allows me to do everything I want with them. I have been to every field trip except 1 and eat lunch at school with them about every 2 weeks. All the kids know me and my boys think that is awesome. I also coach their baseball and basketball teams while living 45 mins. away from them. School is a awesome way to get your kids attention.

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THese are great ideas, but like others my Dad was non-existent for most of my childhood years. I now volunteer for my kids activities and spend tiem with them every night instead of watching TV. But one thing they miss here is, volunteer for your child's field trips. My mom could never attend and always wanted her to, I always volunteer and get selected beacuse most schools are always looking for men to come along. Try this and you will be surprised on how often your name gets drawn from the "Hat".

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I have been taking the time lately to interview my younger kids (5 total - 3 younger) and asked them questions and write it down so that I can keep up with what's going on in their life. I ask questions related to school, friends, TV, sports etc. I am coaching Pop Warner for the first time (I am 47) and it has been an awesome experience. Now I don't have to wonder what the benefits of playing Football for 10 years was.

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My Dad left my brother and I when I was about 6... I now have 11 yr old twin boys, and a 6 yr old girl. The most important thing to me is time with my kids. Those afternoons when I pull up in the driveway and my boys ask me to play QB for both teams ina 1-on-1 game I made up as a child called DeFender... turns my day into something special. My boys compete as WR and the other plays man coverage... they compete, we all get exercise and we get to spend quality time. To me, growing up NOT having that, makes these times so much more gratifying! I want a relationship with my children... one that can be cherished and not be regretful for things not done!

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LOVE is spelled TIME. We Dad's can spell it out daily with our kids --we should pray for the Holy Spirit to help us "carve out" more time with them and show them our love.

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These ideas are a great way to remind everyone that you only get one chance at raising your children. The years go by way too fast! Thank you!

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As a single dad raising my 6 yr. old son I find these messages invaluable and a great reminder of what's really important in life. Thanks

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I have a one year old boy and i can barely wait to get home and spend time with him.

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I love these practical ideas to show our kids the most important thing...time and attention. This is like a playbook for me to run these plays when i get home! Thank you!

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I really enjoyed reading 10 Ways to Make Time for Your Children. I'm putting this in my office

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