If there is one thing quarterbacks hate, it’s getting sacked. Man, it hurts. If you’ve never felt a 330-pound man crush you from the side as you’re throwing a pass, believe me, it’s not fun. Of course, sacks are part of football, but I was fortunate to play with some great linemen in my career. I trusted them to keep me safe. But in order to protect me, there were certain places they needed to be. Because they were there when I dropped back to throw the ball, I knew I had teammates all around me doing their best to keep me upright.
You get to be the linemen for your kids. They are under bombardment from all sides. They face school pressure, friendship struggles, and other childhood stressors that sometimes go unnoticed. They need protection, and you are the perfect person to provide it. But to be able to do that, there are certain places you need to be, too. Here are 3 places dads need to be.
1. In Front of Your Kids
Imagine trying to navigate an expert-level hiking trail without a map or any prior experience. It might be doable but will certainly be very tough. That’s childhood in a nutshell. Just like hikers benefit from having an experienced guide on the trail, kids navigate the ups and downs of life when you step up to lead them. When dads are out in front of kids modeling well, giving advice, and showing them how to live with integrity, then kids will be put in the best position to thrive. Your kids need you to lead from the front as a trustworthy guide for all their childhood challenges. You’ve been there and done that. Don’t expect them to blindly get it right. Expect to show them the best path.
2. Behind Your Kids
I want my kids to know I have their backs. I support them, but I also protect them. I think dads who do this free up their kids to charge at their goals at full speed. One of the biggest reasons kids don’t take on challenges is the fear of failure. That melts away when they have someone who loves them pushing them to be their best. Support your kids. Be there for your kids when they fail. Pick them back up and encourage them. Let them know you’re behind them 100 percent and watch their confidence rise.
3. Next to Your Kids
Unfortunately, a lot of kids feel alone. Recent surveys show that greater than one in three American kids (36%) say they feel frequently lonely. That breaks my heart as a dad. You’re never alone when someone walks beside you, and dads should commit to being that someone for their children. So listen to them. Share. Create memories. It will all help your kids feel valued and seen. Connecting with your kids starts with being around and spending time with them. Being an All Pro Dad means being there for your kids. They should know that no matter what happens in their lives, you’ll be an arm, room, text, or call away.
Sound off: What are steps you can take to better protect your children?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “When do you feel closest to me?”