“No parent is perfect; we all can look back and think of things we could’ve done to help our children be better prepared for adulthood. And sometimes it’s best to admit it to them and encourage them to learn from our mistakes.” Billy Graham
With his wife Ruth, Billy Graham fathered 5 children on his path to being one of the greatest figures in modern history. Billy faced an issue common to most of us that are dads: How do I find the time to be a present father?
To make up for time missed, Billy would unwittingly make a mistake that undermined his wife’s authority and discipline. Something many absent dads do – try to win favor by being fun and generous. The times he would come home were like holidays, and Ruth’s hard work at child rearing suffered while Billy made out the hero. As men striving to be All Pro Dads while at the same time trying to make a successful living in this hard world, we need to carefully consider our priorities and work/family balance. To assist the busy man on how to spend more quality time with his kids, here are 4 sensible ideas.
1. Reading to Your Kids Habitually
Young children crave this special time when they have you all to themselves. Even men that travel on the road frequently can make time for this given today’s technology. These are important moments of bonding between father and child, and it gives kids the feeling of security they desperately need from dad’s regular presence.
2. Teaching Life Skills
Our kids love to be with us, and dads love purposeful activity. Teaching/playing sports together, grilling, camping, explaining home maintenance, and how to talk to the opposite sex are just a sampling of life skills Dad can teach. It’s not only the skill that matters here— it’s the time together and the bond strengthened.
3. Take Annual Family Vacations
No parent is perfect; we all can look back and think of things we could’ve done to help our children be better prepared for adulthood. – Billy GrahamFew things create longer lasting and better memories than family vacations. Even vacations that go horribly wrong wind up being legendary. Families bonds grow deeper and closer during these times.
4. Consider What You Really Want
No parent is perfect; we all can look back and think of things we could’ve done to help our children be better prepared for adulthood. – Billy GrahamIf you spend the best parts of your life scratching and clawing up the ladder and finally get there, but look back to find no one is left with you, what did you actually gain? There exists a line between great family provider and overly ambitious personal desire.
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “Do you think we spend enough time together?”