2021 may be a continuation of 2020 or the turn around the corner. However, that is not an excuse for us dads to be better. Now you don’t have to have a long list of New Year’s Resolutions, but you can start with just a few things to increase your family life. Here are five things dads should know in 2021.
You are not the “backup parent.” You’re a father. The Dad
You are a full and equal partner in creating and raising a child into a healthy, high-functioning society citizen. This year get off the sidelines; you are more than just resources and the Little League coach. You are critical to every step of the process. Be informed, aggressively involved, and make the decision that benefits your overall family. It is not just on the mother.
Leave work at work
When your workday is finished, you are done. Once you walk out of the office or the job site, it should be family time. I know you should have time for yourself and your hobbies, however, you need to be spending more time talking with family and less about work when at home. I know in today’s society, overwork is celebrated, but you, as a first-gen dad, need to ensure you are spending and investing time into your family. Just like your portfolio, to get the best result, you must invest.
Schedule regular time for physical fitness
Working out has statistical helps you to relieve stress. Always take time to work out. I know the dad bod is a thing, but we need to stay healthy. It would be best if you were able to lift the average weight of an 8-year-old child, which is the last age where they might fall asleep in a car and require being deadlifted from the back seat and carried gently into the house without waking them. As a dad, you will always be needed to lift heavy things, so you need to keep fit.
Schedule regular family outings
Regularly family outings help to keep a family close and build memories. We are still in the pandemic, and traveling may not be as convenient as before; however, local trips can supplement for the time being. Our family makes trips to the local sonic drive-in. This allows us to have family time and more intimate family conversations.
Discipline without losing your temper
We know how easy it is to lose your cool and start screaming, “Are you kidding me with this behavior?!” Whether you believe in corporal punishment or not a dad has to rise above such petty emotions and keep his child on the right track without having a full-on pull-out-your-hair meltdown. Find ways to curb bad behavior without having a meltdown. Discipline should be a lesson, not a punishment.
Conclusion
This year will still have its trials and tribulations, but it will make you better. Remember, your family looks to you to help with guiding them. Relax because you are doing great.
