Our Monthly One-on-One
In this month’s conversation, I talk about Father’s Day. I think that, for the most part, dads and grandfathers have most of the material things they want or need. Despite what retailers bombard us within the lead-up to Father’s Day, I think what Dads value and cherish are experiences either with the family, their friends, or even alone.
Experiences are so much more valuable because they are often shared experiences. You or the family may not share them, but they are shared with and often cherished by those there. Think back to those times you were catching up with a friend from school and were talking about some mischief or fun activity that you had and the feelings that shared memory brought up. For my money, if I think that Dads need experiences more than ‘things’ (although sometimes both are fun).
Another way to let the dad in your life know how much you appreciate them is to simply tell them. I think we all take family members for granted at some point and stop telling our spouses, moms, dads, and children how much we appreciate them for who they are and what they do for us. Think about all the times you have sacrificed time and energy for another family member only for them not to give you a simple ‘thanks, you being there meant a lot to me.’ Dads, like everyone, need to hear that their time and effort are noticed and appreciated.
With many fathers not having great role models growing up or support from their friends when it comes to being a father, we need to make sure we offer encouragement and point out the good things they are doing. This is especially true for fathers when it comes to encouraging and praising their adult sons and sons-in-law. YOU might be the only male figure in their life that notices and says something about the growth and development you have seen them make.
Once you have listened to this podcast, please share it with three friends who would enjoy learning more about grandfathers and the important role they play in the lives of their grandchildren and families.
Links
You can now purchase my children’s book, My Grandpa’s Grandpa, directly from my website. Click HERE for the link.