Being a Better Dad

I know that I probably sound like every parent, but I have got to say that I have two of the most precious kids. Tommy is so smart, his memory is beyond that of a supercomputer. He can remember where we went by landmarks on the way there. He knows mommy's office, where Grammy and Papa's Laundromat is, even where the kids discovery museum is in San Jose. Aaron, is great, smiley, and now knows who momma and dadda are, and can say our names whenever he wants to.

With that said, I just wish that I could be a better role model for them. I wish there was more time in the day to see them and teach them what is good about the world. As I see them interact with each other and with us, they represent what IS right and pure in life. No fear for tomorrow, no worries or pressure associated with life. Just a sincere love for living.

As I have been noticing this I have taken a look at my life and wondered where am I as a person. Why am I cranky sometimes? Am I too stern with the kids? Do I really need everything to be so perfect? Am I the dad my kids will actually look up to, and seek for guidance?

All of these questions are in mind at some point throughout my day. However, often times I get so busy with life that I fail to work on answering them. I find myself tired and cranky, and harsh with my family. Then I look back and wonder what really matters?

I have two of the best kids and wife a person could have. In reality the only two things in life to me that are important to me is God and my family. I feel that I have had a good example of a dad in my life, and wonder if I will be as good to my kids, or will they even care?

It is just as I get older (30 in July, errr) I realize that I cannot count on any aspect of society to teach or provide direction for my children. Leaving to demonstrate the good in life to both Annette and I. Seeing the excitement of Tommy's first real Santa Claus Christmas, has been like turning the clock back for myself and living that dream all over again. The anticipation, the real hope that Santa will bring that certain toy. It saddens me to know that this trust and belief in something so innocent and beautiful, will eventually be replaced by worldly pressures, crooked politicians, and irresponsible business operation on wall st.

You read parenting magazines they tell you not to give your child too much. Don't let them watch tv, more veggies. While there are aspects I support in those writings, I cannot see the logic in not rewarding what is so special. A time in a kids life where they have no knowledge of corruption. God has blessed us immensely, but I would give the world to my kids if I could afford it. Not because they need or don't need it, but because they deserve any and everything just because they are soooooo good and special.

What if instead of holding back on rewarding our kids in fear of spoiling them, we gave all we could to helping them develop and reinforcing that there are no limits to good behavior, intelligence, and sincerity. What if we taught them respect for their possessions, and that they are earned through hard work, in school, in play, and at home. If we tell them they can reach the stars maybe then, they may actually be able to reach them.