An open letter to dads

Dear Dads,

As you know, I work with all sorts of students; middle school, high school, and college students, boys and girls both. To date, I’ve literally worked with hundreds of students, and I’ve noticed some pretty cool patterns.

As I get to know my clients they begin to tell me about their lives, and I want to share one very interesting pattern that I’ve seen over and over: Across the board, kids want much more Dad time. They often tell me that they feel like their fathers don’t have enough time for them. Even teenagers who act like they don’t want to have anything to do with their fathers end up telling me that they want more dad time.

Dad time is valuable, influential and essential.

What is “Dad time”?

What is Dad time you ask? Dad time is simply quality 1:1 time with you. It’s not complicated, your kids just want to be with you.

I ask these kids, “what sorts of things do you want to do with your dad?” It’s pretty straight forward, they’ll tell me:

• “I like it when we go fishing”
• “I like to go to movies with him”
• “I like to cook with him”
• “I like to play games with him”
• “I like when we joke around”
• “I like to do art with him”
• “I like when we hike”
• “I like to just hang out with him”
• “I like to go to sporting events with him”
• “I like to go to concerts with him”

There’s no better time than the present

Since it’s summertime, this is a great opportunity to capitalize on this absolutely precious investment. Here’s how:

1. Ask your child if they want more dad time.
2. Ask your child what they like to do with you. Listen extra carefully. 
3. Plan it. Plan specific times now for this summer, because it’s going to fly by in the blink of an eye.
4. Execute. Go do the things you planned. Keep it light, fun, laughter filled. Tell them your life stories. Have fun. Bond.

The most important thing you can ever do is invest in your relationship with your child. Good luck and have an awesome summer!

Seth