I have been challenged. A friend who will soon be plunging into fatherhood asked me why I like being a dad so much. He let me ramble for a while before he cut me off and asked, “what are your three favorite things about fatherhood?”
Outdoor fun is one of Matt's fatherhood favorites. What's on your list?
I complained about having to reduce the infinitely amazing experience of fatherhood into 3 bullet points, but surrendered and gave it a shot. I told him that in my nearly three years of being a dad I’ve found fatherhood is 95-percent fun and rewarding and five percent not so fun and challenging. Unfortunately, the five percent that’s not so fun tends to be 100-percent miserable – think injuries, illnesses, tantrums and yes, dirty diapers.
Agreeing to set aside the obvious – laughing, cuddling kinda stuff – here’s what I came up with:
- Witnessing uncensored emotion. This cuts both ways, but when it’s good, it’s the best. Ever notice how a smile consumes a child’s entire face? They are not just flashing a gummy toothy grin, everything about them lights up. They exude happiness in a way that cannot be contrived or concealed. They are experiencing pure joy and it’s obvious for all to see. It’s no coincidence my son looks sad as he waves goodbye in the morning and is borderline slaphappy when I return home. Most adults restrain their emotions unless inspired or otherwise provoked. There is something very special about seeing pure unfiltered emotion, and my kids provide plenty of it.
- Playing outside. Summertime in Michigan is wonderful. We have spent time splashing in lakes, rivers, creeks and pools. We have taken long walks, played in parks and roasted marshmallows at bonfires. Even something as simple as a hose and sprinkler cause my son to squeal in delight. The whole family has been taking advantage of the warm weather by spending lots of time outdoors. And while the warm weather is great, one of my favorite outdoor adventures was pulling our son all around the yard in his sled after one of our big snowstorms last winter. If you put your mind to it, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had during winter too. (Side note – a wonderful byproduct of outdoor fun is the exhaustion caused by fresh air, everyone sleeps soundly!)
- Watching my kids play with and respond to family. For me, this is probably the best thing about being a dad. We are extremely lucky to have a lot of family nearby so our children are growing up knowing their grandparents and many of their aunts, uncles and cousins. My son is always excited to see me when I come home from work, but if one of his grandfathers is around, I’m relegated to second fiddle. Even our seven-month-old daughter reacts warmly to her family, especially her grandparents. My wife and I make it a point to talk to our children about family. Emmett certainly seems to grasp the importance of family and Anabelle is already showing signs. Very little warms my heart like seeing our children interact with our family and the happiness that ensues.
There is a lot to enjoy about being a parent, but those three stand out for me. How about you, what’s on your list of fatherhood favorites? Do any mothers have other mommy-specific favorites?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, man. This has got to be one of my favorite posts from you so far. Nicely done. Bravo!
My three favorites: 1) Hiking with the kids, of course. 2) Hearing them read aloud. Brilliant! 3) Relishing those heart-warming moments that wash away all the other turmoil.
Thanks Dave, you keep the bar set high for both of us, so I really appreciate your comment. I love your list…my kids aren’t reading aloud yet, but reading to my kids was #4 on my list, a toughie to cross off.
Great list. I think my 4th bullet would be… “License to watch Phineas and Ferb.” I think your kids are a still a little young, but soon comes the excuse to take in cartoons and movies that you’ve been denying being into since you were 12. As well, you get to share the best of your youth with them.
Thanks Eric, we’re not into cartoons yet but my son thoroughly enjoys one of my childhood favorites, Sesame Street. I was almost embarassed to admit I enjoy watching it as an adult, until I saw this and realized I’m not alone! http://sahdinlansing.com/tuesdays-10-reasons-i-still-love-sesame-street/
So in a way, both my son and I are enjoying some of the best of my youth, as you mention. Thanks for reading along and taking a moment to comment.
Very good post! Seeing your kids with your parents really is the best. My dad and Lanagan have an amazing relationship too and I seriously tear up all the time when I see them together. Glad you enjoy fatherhood so much!
Thank you Elena, I appreciate your comments. I feel like my children are the greatest gifts I could ever give my parents, nothing makes them happier than spending quality time with their grandchildren (and our kids feel the same way about all their grandparents). How wonderful that Lanagan shares a special bond with his grandfather, that’s a meaningful relationship beyond what words can describe. The circle of life sure is amazing! Thanks for reading and engaging with us.