This past Father’s Day marked my third official Father’s Day as an “actual” dad. My wife and I have two boys. Blake, our oldest, turned 3 years old in March. Mac, our youngest, will turn 10 months at the end of June.
Below are a few of the most important lessons I've learned in my young, yet action-packed, journey as a father.
One of the roles I hold in my family is that of Chief Memory Maker. I am a memory collector (my wife would call me a memory hoarder), so whether it's organizing special keepsakes, compiling photos/videos in our "family archives", or sending emails to the boys’ email accounts for future reading, I enjoy creating things now that they can enjoy later.
The Chief Memory Maker is also responsible for the day to day memories. I am an entrepreneur and at times it is way too easy to get lost in the desire to build my company, climb the proverbial ladder, or achieve in whatever way life demands. I have to remind myself that the nightly adventures at the swing set, the family walks to the pool, or the impromptu trips for ice cream are important and that everything else can wait.
We live in a world where it is scary to be a kid. Without getting into all of that, as a father I am constantly reminded to keep loving my children with all of my heart. I tell them I love them. I kiss them. I hug them. I wrestle with them. I hold them when they need to be held. Love protects. It provides. It heals. It forgives. It gives hope. And it starts at home. If my kids feel loved at home, they will bring that love out into a world that needs it.
I have learned a great deal in my first three years of fatherhood, but perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to openly love my wife right in front of my boys’ eyes. My wife and I can provide everything for our boys, but it pales in comparison to demonstrating a happy marriage to them. The love and respect I show my wife Lindsay is a critical part of being the best dad I can be, as it will set the pace for their interactions with future partners. It is the difference between setting them up for future happy relationships vs failed relationships. And let’s be honest, the old adage “Happy Wife, Happy Life” isn’t lost on me!
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