Hey, Ready To Dad Crew!

Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a stretch. A stretch of longer days, shifting routines, and the ever-changing rhythm of family life. For working dads, this time of year can feel like a tug-of-war between staying present and staying productive. But summer also holds the chance to stretch emotionally: to stretch our patience, our imagination, and most importantly, our connection with our kids.

Each week this month, I’ll reflect on how to embrace the flexibility and fullness of this season, not just logistically but relationally and emotionally, with a special focus on strengthening our family bonds.

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Somewhere between work deadlines, camp pickups, and dinner prep, we can lose sight of how much summer gives us space to pause and notice things around us.

The days are longer. The pace shifts, even if just a little. And in those quieter in-between moments, there’s a real chance to reconnect with something many of us forget as adults: wonder.

For our kids, wonder isn’t rare. It’s essentially their default setting. A butterfly is landing nearby. A new puddle to jump in. A weed poking through the sidewalk. A popsicle is melting too fast. They’re present for all of it, and it’s a joy to witness their excitement. It's these moments that make parenting such a delightful journey. And while we might not always match their energy or their snack needs, we can stretch ourselves to meet their curiosity.

This week, instead of filling every spare moment with activity, let’s try to make a little more space, not for productivity but for the invaluable presence that comes with slowing down. This is not about entertaining, but about honestly noticing and appreciating the world around us, allowing us to relax and be at ease.

Here are a few ways we can stretch toward wonder: Let your child lead the next walk, even if it takes twice as long. Say yes to the messy art project, like finger painting or making a DIY volcano, even if it gets messy and ends up on the floor. Sit beside them and ask, “What are you thinking about?” Watch a sunset without checking your phone and notice the colors, the changing sky, and the peacefulness of the moment. It’s these small details that make the experience truly memorable. We don’t need a full day off or a wide-open schedule. We need to make room by consciously choosing to prioritize these moments of wonder over other tasks or distractions. Because summer isn’t only for doing, it’s for noticing, and being fully present in the moment.

Why do it

When we slow down enough to notice, we’re not just making space for wonder. We’re modeling it. Our kids learn how to stay curious by watching how we, as parents, engage with the world around us. The role we play is crucial and influential in their development. We are the ones who set the tone for their curiosity and wonderment.

These moments of wonder are not just about fun. They also play a crucial role in your child’s cognitive and emotional development. They build connection, deepen presence, and open the door to emotional intelligence, which is the ability to recognize and understand our own emotions and those of others. Noticing is the first step toward understanding. When we see what lights up our kids, what draws them in, and what makes them pause, we begin to understand them more deeply. And they feel that. This insight is what truly connects us with our children, making us feel more connected and insightful.

Share your 'wonder moments' with us and the community. The memories that last often aren’t the ones we planned. They’re the ones we were present enough to feel.

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