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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Parenting in the pause is about choosing to connect with your child in the small, often overlooked moments of the day. When you make this choice, your child feels your presence and care throughout the day.

The day doesn’t need to be perfect to be connected. Some of the best dad moments happen in between everything else. That five-minute break? That snack at the table? It’s more than a breather, and it’s a reset. It’s a chance to pause, connect, and recharge, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. In our house, we’ve got Dance Party Fridays. We add the kids’ favorite songs, but sometimes, we also guide the playlist, incorporating the music my wife and I grew up with. It’s a fun way to share our past with our kids and create new memories together, filled with laughter and fun. For instance, my preschooler has no idea who Kris Kross is, but he loves the song “Jump Jump?” That’s precisely the kind of energy he needs to get out before lunch. Sometimes, we stream it. Sometimes, we pull up the YouTube video, yes, with Kris in his Knicks gear, and I make sure to point that part out. Whether it’s a dance break, a shared snack, or just sitting together quietly, what matters isn’t the activity. It’s the attention you give to your child that truly matters and makes a difference in their day!

These in-between moments are where connection lives. When you choose to pause and show up, you, as a dad, play a crucial role in teaching your child that they matter not just in the big moments but in the ordinary ones, too. Your choices in these moments have a profound impact on your child’s sense of worth and belonging.

Children don’t just learn from lengthy discussions or grand gestures. They learn from the choices we make in the margins. Do we scroll or dance? Rush or reset? These seemingly small decisions carry a lot of value in shaping our children’s experiences.

Conscious parenting is a concept that emphasizes being present and aware in your interactions with your child. It reminds us that children regulate best when they feel safe and seen. And those feelings are built in moments of presence, not perfection. It’s about making choices that prioritize connection over convenience, and it’s a powerful tool in building a strong parent-child relationship.

Showing up in the middle of the day helps your child feel anchored. It also reminds us that this parenting thing isn’t all or nothing. It’s rhythm. And sometimes that rhythm sounds a whole lot like Kris Kross.

One of the most important things a dad can do for a family is take control of his finances. Tracking your income, spending, and investments provides peace of mind and relief, setting a strong foundation for your family’s future.

I use Monarch to stay on top of everything. It’s a game-changer for organizing finances, budgeting, and long-term planning. It’s empowered me to create a system that works for my family, and I highly recommend it.

💡 Special offer for my readers: Use my code HERE for 1 free month of Monarch.💡 (Note: I may receive a commission if you join through my link—thanks for supporting the newsletter!)

Reply directly to this email with your question, or use this quick form to submit anonymously. Whether it’s about family routines, connecting with your kids, or managing stress, I’m here to help!

Let’s tackle parenting together, one question at a time!

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