When my kids were young, one of the highlights of my day was playing with them at night. But as a father of four, sometimes being a fun dad exhausted me. Working hard to provide for a family is also a tiring task. So by the end of the day, my kids wanted me to serve my “second shift” at home. Between work’s demands and my family’s needs, I had to learn how to be an intentional dad.
Over time, I realized there’s a difference between having good intentions and actually being intentional with my kids. Here here are 4 practical ways to be intentional with yours.
1. Give TIME to your kids before they ask for it.
If your kids are anything like mine, they are constantly asking for your time. “Dad, can you play basketball with me? Want to throw the football in the back yard? Can you help me with my homework?” Kids love spending time with their fathers. And why shouldn’t they? In your efforts to be a “yes” parent, learn to offer your time to your kids before they ask for it. “Want to play some basketball or throw the football around?” “Do you have any questions about your homework that I can help you with?” Seek to give time to your kids freely and intentionally rather than reluctantly.
2. Don’t avoid tough CONVERSATIONS (or easy ones).
Intentional dads don’t look to get out of conversations with their kids but instead, look for opportunities to talk with them. Kids naturally have a lot of thoughts running through their minds and issues to process mentally and emotionally. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is availability to talk. Better yet, use intentional questions to tap into your child’s thoughts and feelings. “What have you seen or heard about this specific topic?” or “What’s the biggest struggle you’re facing right now and what can I do to help?”
3. Create space for ENGAGEMENT with your child’s heart.
Every child is different, so finding ways to creatively and personally connect with a kid takes intentional effort and awareness. What are some of your child’s current interests or needs? While my son might need me to spend time with him in the back yard or playing his favorite video game, my teenage daughter may need me to engage positively with her social media memes and videos. Whatever it is, dads must figure out how to intentionally create space for such engagement.
4. Provide ACCOUNTABILITY for your kids.
Kids have never had as much access to the world around them as they do today. And never before have they had less accountability. But children need that and they need male leadership. Dads can and should purposely provide both. This not only includes what your kids are doing with their devices (know passwords, monitor device time, activate filters, and so on), but also accountability with their friends, their attitudes, and their choices. Holding your kids accountable to your rules and expectations doesn’t make you a bad dad; it makes you an intentional one.
Sound off: What would you suggest to a man who wants to learn how to be an intentional dad?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What would you like to do when I get home from work today?”