Keeping It Real

As a dad with 2 jobs, it can be challenging to balance time between work, the wife, and the kids and feel like it's quality time. I have found that if I spend quality time with my wife first, it builds security in our home - both for her and for our children.

Children gain a lot of security from seeing their parents have a real relationship. Being real with each other and spending quality time together.

Quality time is being there for them in a real way. Not in front of the tv, not off on some project, but, spending time with them.

We spend time on Saturday and Sunday with each other. Having fun, talking, playing outside and just being together. Of course we go out and have other activities as well. Yet, it's that intimate time that really builds the relationships in our home.

Part of the quality time with the children is not getting onto them all the time. Choosing your battles. Knowing when to say no and when to let it go. It doesn't mean you are inconsistent with parenting. When you are limited on time with your children, it should not be consumed with correction.

What It's All About

After I first heard of the idea of Dad's blogging, I realized it is actually an excellent opportunity to both share and glean from the experiences of others in this aspect of the parenting realm.

There are so many things we have to learn along the way either from the advise and experiences of others or by our own trial and error (successes and failures).

Although there are many books on the subject, there is yet to be an all-inclusive guide to parenting, which is handed out upon delivery of a child.

My own experiences as a father have been (and continue to be) very positive. Kids are a lot of work. But, they are a lot of fun. I may some unorthodox approaches to parenting, yet, I am a real person to my kids, one who admits mistakes and one who listens to my children.

Scott