best things about being a dad

My 10 Favorite Things about Being a Dad

When our first daughter was born, I had no idea of the tsunami of change coming my way. Seven days after her birth, I hit the road with my band for a string of shows important to our future. So I thought. My wife was not too thrilled, but at the time my priority was that dream and pushing it forward. If we fast forward a few years later, that same man is driving a minivan 600 miles away from his old home. He’s not touring with a band, but instead, hauling a toddler and infant around in a brand new town, and living an all new life.

If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.Parenthood is like that old saying – “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” This wild journey of simply being Dad has been the greatest tour of all-time. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here are my 10 favorite things about being a dad.

1. The Laughter

I live to make my kids laugh. It’s the greatest thing in the world as far as I’m concerned. Want to be the funny Dad today? Try out these jokes and riddles on your kids.

2. How Deeply I love Them

Honestly, before I had kids I didn’t know I had the capacity to love this deeply. It’s quite a revelation to a man, and it transfers to all other aspects of life. It allows you to see life through new selfless eyes, and that love extends outward through a deeply held sense of responsibility.

3. The Little Things Truly Matter

Being a Dad is all about the little things. We share hugs, inside jokes, and emotions. It’s the little things that separate the good from the great.

4. The Banter

My unique situation of being the stay-at-home parent has allowed me the opportunity to spend lots of times with my kids, and we have banter that would make little sense to anyone but us…and I love that. Do you want that with your kids? Try getting them to open up using the Q and U app.

5. Teaching Life

For better or worse, I didn’t have a lot of guidance growing up about how to succeed in life. My dad was awesome, but also busy. I had to figure out things on my own and I didn’t want my kids to do that too. When you have the opportunity to take your kids a lesson, take it.

6. Playing and Being Silly

I have a strong imagination and like to play and be silly. Those qualities go well with having young kids. I love the way their eyes light up and their laughs come from the most genuine place when we play. Instilling a sense of playfulness is a key secret in life to endure the storms that are sure to come. For both parent and child.

7. They Make Me So Much Better

A man that takes being a dad seriously will become a better human being. From the little things like common manners and swearing, to the bigger things, like responsibilities and commitments, we grow tremendously.

8. Taking Them Places

My soul craves adventure, and to be able to share that with my daughters has created some of my favorite memories in this life. Times that I will hold as treasure forever. It is the duty of a dad to educate  his kids with new and diverse experiences. The things that can’t be taught in a classroom.

9. Watching Them Blossom

The sense of pride is nearly overwhelming. You’ve watched this little seed grow from the first ultrasound into the full-blown adult standing before you. It’s magnificent. The heart and soul a dad puts into the development of his child, is richly rewarded when witnessing what were once hopes and prayers for them, now become reality. Be patient. Your efforts will take hold.

10. The Eternal Bond

I was raised in the south, and we have an old saying about family – “Blood is thicker than water.” There is an eternal bond between parent/child that can never be undone. Thank you, God, for this honor.

Sound off: What are you favorite things about being a dad?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is your favorite thing about being a family?”