In need of some Monday motivation? This column is for those of you who slog through your mornings. If you lament the end of the weekend and dread returning to the office, you may need our Motivation Monday quick tips. Grit Daily offers an avenue to connect with others like you. We’re here to help get your work week off to a good start. Pump your fists – it’s time for Motivation Monday!
There are several great quotes about dads and fatherhood out there, but this is one of my faves:
Every Dad, if he takes time out of his busy life to reflect upon his fatherhood, can learn ways to become an even better dad. ~Jack Baker
Dear Dad
Yes, Father’s Day was yesterday and didn’t quite synch up with our publication calendar but we’re going to celebrate good Dads one more time today. And why not? We all need a little push and love from Dad once in a while. Dads tend to take the harder line but bring all the pride and love to the table – it’s just harder to see sometimes.
There are comparatively fewer books and articles about fatherhood than motherhood for whatever reason. And the few blogs that I did find are quite old: the advice is still relevant but the publication dates are surprisingly old. That said, the blogs that I found each had some good nuggets about fatherhood and many had tips on how to be a better dad.
#1 – be their protector
Kids count on Dad to protect them, and Mom to nurture them. Dads have a big role here that doesn’t end when kids go off to college. Au contraire, the role gets even more important and demanding.
#2 – more hugs, please
I’ve read articles on this and talked to many of my friends about this. Dads are generally less into hugging than Moms are. No sound reason appears to exist, nor is there any scientific evidence to support this claim, it’s just a thing a bunch of us have noticed. Does anyone have any insights?!
#3 – equal opp
Given that this is pride month and that traditional families are currently anything but, it’s important to be flexible with responsibilities. We’re well beyond the era of “Mom’s job” vs. “Dad’s job” and need to accept the initiatives that our children either directly or indirectly task us with.
Cheers to all the good dads out there
Did you have the opportunity to fire up the grill and barbeque something fabulous with your father yesterday? If you did, you’re lucky as many people don’t have the option. Some, of course, choose not to exercise the option but that’s a whole other story.
Over the weekend, I was at the funeral of a man who left behind a widow and an 18-year-old son. The deceased man’s son gave one of the most meaningful and inspirational eulogies that I’ve ever heard. And yes, sadly, I’ve heard more than I can count. He talked about taking advantage of the time that you do have together because you never know when it will be cut short. This fine, young man had the courage to talk about some of the hardships that he had with his father and how he would give anything to hear his dad yell his name one more time. That’s precisely what it’s all about.
In a previous column, we heard about the important role of influence that numerous celebrity (and non-celebrity) dads have had on the trajectory of their children. We need to tell people how we feel about them when they’re alive and we have the chance to do so. Rather than take these relationships with our fathers and others for granted, we need to acknowledge how special they are. Forget about waiting for a reason to celebrate, like Father’s Day, just grab the opportunity whenever it presents itself. Remember, we all get one chance and one chance only.
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is all that we have.
Cheers to my Dad – xoxo
