By Sean Kavanaugh
That’s a funny question for me. I’m still a kid, so I do it for fun and always can’t wait to do it again. But this Father’s. Day, I’d love for all Fathers to remember the tremendous benefits of taking time to PLAY with your kids. Not just basketball, anything they like. Life gets busy, kids grow up, dynamics of relationships change . . . quickly. Don’t be fooled, kids always love to play with their dad – you just have to find their interest and make the time. Just the fact that you are taking the time shows you care, want to be with them, builds self esteem, strengthens your bond with them and, most of all, creates incredible opportunity that everyday busy life usually distracts us from. The opportunities below are what drive me to sacrifice most of my golf time, sports bar time, even much work time, and make as much time with my kids as they’ll allow me to fit.
Playing with your kids creates opportunity to:
Be an example of good sportsmanship, leadership, have a positive outlook, encouragement, teaching, and of course, taking time out of work and school routines to have fun and enjoy life. These are memories that will last a lifetime, instill some form of family unity, and may be the strength they need to get through tough times later in their lives. It may even be the best healing for their loss when you pass on.
And if the dynamics of your relationship with your kids has changed, become awkward, and sometimes difficult, invite some of your kids friends, and their dads. Create the environment that’s best for you to have fun and bond in. I was lucky this past weekend to hang with some dads and their kids:
Jim Cornwell had fun with Amanda, 23, Dominic, 11 and Daniel, 10.
Mike Zajack came out to spend quality time with his boys Matthew, 11 and Max, 10.
Harlan Kickhoefer hooped it up with his daughter, Erin.
So for every good reason in this beautiful world, from the minute you have a child, remember it’s our God given responsibility to embrace the opportunity of being a father or a father figure, and give of our time to pass on the values and qualities that have been passed on to us.
Have a wonderful Father’s Day, and God Bless you and your family!
