June 2010

Leaving a legacy

You have a lasting impact on your children. Now that Father's Day is just around the corner, it's a great time for you to think about what you're teaching your kids and the legacy you'll leave them.

What Was Your Dad Like? More likely than not, you're probably parenting your kids very similarly to how your father parented you. Or maybe you've purposely gone in the complete opposite direction. Think about the man your dad is/was - is that how you want to be with your kids? Realizing that your conceptions about relationships came from your parents is a great starting point.

Take Time. Our president, Roland Warren, is fond of saying that kids spell love T-I-M-E. If you don't spend (quality) time with your kids, you'll still leave a legacy - but it will be one of absence, and that will stick with your kids, too. Make sure your priorities are in order and take time to really get to know your kids and spend time with them.

Talk to Them. Many parents make the mistake of only parenting by example. While being a good example is essential, it's not enough. You need to purposely talk to kids about your values - what you believe, and why it's important.

Create Something Special. Think of something special you can do with your children that they only do with you. Maybe it's special trips to the local ice cream shop, or kickball games together, or science fair projects and experiments. But whatever is, give your children something to look back on that they'll always remember doing with dad. Plus, these activities will give you lots of teachable moments.

Dad, you leave a legacy by loving your children, spending time with them, and talking to them about what you believe and why it's important. This Father's Day, think about the legacy you're leaving for your children.