A Father Knows

I am certain of very little, but these lessons feel as solid as anything I’ve ever known.

1. Spending a few extra minutes, even if it means making the whole world wait so that you can resolve an interaction with your child in a patient & kind manner, giving them your full attention, will never be a wasted moment.
2. No matter what, when your child says “I Love You,” you say it back. If they’re using it to stall at bedtime, let them stall. If they’re using to soften a scolding for bad behavior, let them soften. If they’re saying it because they just want your attention while you’re working on something else, give them your attention. Make it a principle that love will cut through all else, always.
3. Always answer “Can I help?” with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
4. Trust them. They are competent, and they become more competent the more you trust them. Believe the best in them, and that means specifically doubting your own doubts about them. If you don’t think they’re ready for something yet, train them until they are – but don’t tell them they can’t.
5. You don’t get much time.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone. Whatever you do today, do again tomorrow.