Loved this, Alex, and it resonated with me deeply. It's a tough balance to strike, but it helps to have your priorities in perspective as you say. Also, side note, I also have that same fear of not letting my kids be the last ones picked up (my own single-mom trauma) so it was very comforting to hear your own children don't feel that! I'll have to ask my 4-year-old if he thinks the same way...
I enjoyed your piece Alex, lots of resonance for me as well. The constant balancing act between being a present parent, and keeping up with other responsibilities and desires is real. This is a good reminder not to lose sight of what's most important in life.
Alex, relax, you've got a great handle on all of the balancing and prioritizing of your time, and I can tell you're doing a great job at it. Your attitude is what tells me that, when you say that you want to be there for the boring things like baths, brushing teeth, driving to appointments, etc., as well as the enjoyable stuff. Most dads don't feel that way.
Our four boys are adults now and there have been several times when one of them has commented on how much some boring or everyday thing I did when they were small meant to them, or how my perseverance in a side business was an example to them to do the same when they struggled with a task or project. They didn't focus on my being too busy but learned the success habits I was displaying. Our oldest has two kids now and I see the things he does with them that I did with him, that was important to him. That really warms my heart!
You won't realize it for sure until your kids are much older and you see for yourself what very positive impact you've had on them, but I have no doubt that that day will come!
Loved this, Alex, and it resonated with me deeply. It's a tough balance to strike, but it helps to have your priorities in perspective as you say. Also, side note, I also have that same fear of not letting my kids be the last ones picked up (my own single-mom trauma) so it was very comforting to hear your own children don't feel that! I'll have to ask my 4-year-old if he thinks the same way...
Thanks, Andrew!
I enjoyed your piece Alex, lots of resonance for me as well. The constant balancing act between being a present parent, and keeping up with other responsibilities and desires is real. This is a good reminder not to lose sight of what's most important in life.
Alex, relax, you've got a great handle on all of the balancing and prioritizing of your time, and I can tell you're doing a great job at it. Your attitude is what tells me that, when you say that you want to be there for the boring things like baths, brushing teeth, driving to appointments, etc., as well as the enjoyable stuff. Most dads don't feel that way.
Our four boys are adults now and there have been several times when one of them has commented on how much some boring or everyday thing I did when they were small meant to them, or how my perseverance in a side business was an example to them to do the same when they struggled with a task or project. They didn't focus on my being too busy but learned the success habits I was displaying. Our oldest has two kids now and I see the things he does with them that I did with him, that was important to him. That really warms my heart!
You won't realize it for sure until your kids are much older and you see for yourself what very positive impact you've had on them, but I have no doubt that that day will come!