Dad-O-matic - Latest Comments in Requesting your Presence

Re: Requesting your Presence

Mark MacLeod — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:47:39 -0000

This is something I definitely need to do more off. When I am fully present it is great - for me and the kids. It can be hard to unplug, but there's just no excuse. Nothing is so important that I can't take time for those few hours (even less) between when I get home and when the kids go to bed.

Re: Requesting your Presence

BradMays — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:20:44 -0000

Thanks to all for the comments. I'd like to give public credit for the theme to thinkerdog. Great thing about this forum is that it gives us all ideas for improving or affirming what we want to be as a parent. Thanks for the comments and track-backs.

Great follow-up wit the personal perspectives everyone.

Re: Requesting your Presence

Darrin Searancke — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:22:15 -0000

Words of wisdom - I think most Dad's know in their heart, but to see it in writing certainly hits home. My son is just 10 months, but I will truly value this "gift" for my son in the years to come.

Re: Requesting your Presence

Tami Casey — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:16:41 -0000

Love the idea of the gift of presence, it is extremely important. When the kids get into the tween/teen years they become preoccupied with texts and IMs and it is the parents that are craving the presence of the child while in the car or walking through the mall. So, set a good example now.

Re: Requesting your Presence

Ari Adler — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:57:32 -0000

Great post. After I divorced, I had to go through a period of adjustment on "kid weekends." I finally realized that my weekends with the kids aren't just about being in the same house with them. It meant putting aside chores, work, etc. whenever possible and actually interacting with them. Can be as simple as a game of hoops, some time on the Wii or sitting and watching a movie together. The point is to DO with them, not just BE with them. Means even more when you're a divorced dad who sees your kids less, but it's important for all dads to learn this sooner rather than later.

Re: Requesting your Presence

Mark M — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:27:27 -0000

I absolutely agree. I switch my work mobile phone off on my way home from work, and never check work email from home (unless there's a specific reason to be available - but that might happen to me three or four times a year). It means that, since I actively choose to "switch off work", I am present when I'm at home.

There are other benefits as well, of course, including generally less stress and better time/task management.

Re: Requesting your Presence

thinkerdog — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:11:47 -0000

Brad - very nice. Balance, breathe, smile, and be present. Tough thing to do, being present in every moment - but it's as easy as that too, I suppose... Yay for the Zen of Kid-Raising!