Surfing the Inner N8

Insights & Outsights from a Guy Trying to Follow Jesus

Dad Wisdom

This morning I had breakfast at Panera Bread with a couple dads from the Training Station.  They’re twin brothers and have seven kids between them.  Very interesting guys!

Every time I see them around their kids, they have that whole dad thing going on.  Their kids are their pals, but also respect them as parental authority figures.  That’s a pretty cool trick to pull off!

I had a great time with them and learned a few things, too.  Some highlights:

  • Parenting is like a lot of other things: how much you put into it determines how much you get out of it.
  • When a second child comes along and requires more attention from the mom, it can be a good opportunity for the dad to build a bond with the first child.
  • Hit the bottle!  (Not that bottle.)  Otherwise, forget trying to get a babysitter for more than an hour and a half during the first two years.
  • Relax.  The dad instincts will kick in.
  • On delivery day, bring Kleenex.  Be prepared for a new level of emotion.  There will be crying involved.
  • With a girl, forget trying to be macho.  Accept the fact that I’ll have tea parties and practice cheers.  Just be sure there are no YouTubers with cell phones nearby.
  • She’ll be watching me.  Always.  Just be aware of what I’m teaching her through what I say and do.
  • Cherish every moment, because it’ll fly by!

Thanks Greg & Dennis for sharing your combined quarter century of experience!

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Nathan Hyde

I’m a Christ follower in Ocean Pines, Maryland. After God, my wife, and daughter, my favorite things are my students, Mexican food, reading, and Orioles baseball.

7 responses to “Dad Wisdom”

  1. Dylan

    Wow – that’s a productive breakfast! I can totally relate to a lot of that, especially the whole macho thing. As for Youtubers with cellphones . . . . there WILL be revenge for Chicken Dylan!! (After all, I was showing you what I did when I picked up my sweet little girl from daycare.)

  2. Katie

    What great advice! One thing I’d like to add is “Daddy-Daughter Date Night”. A night where it’s just the two of you. Let her wear a princess dress and go all out… show her how special she is to you. And, you will set the bar for all the men in her future.

  3. Nathan Hyde

    Great idea, Katie! I totally can’t wait.

    Dylan, thanks for reminding me about your chicken dance. I’ll have to watch it again and show it to more people.

  4. Kyle T.

    the “Dad instincts” do kick in. Risking embarrassment in the way you talk to your kids and play with your kid is part of that instinct.

  5. Nathan Hyde

    Glad to hear the instincts cover that part.

  6. Christi

    Great post. Love the one about forgetting being macho and doing the cheers. Have you seen that commercial where the dad is cheering with his daughter? Check it out on youtube:

    Now THAT’S a great dad. 🙂

  7. Nathan Hyde

    Heheh….thanks for the link!

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