Posts Tagged: ‘Checkers’
Don’t Go, Daddy
- by John on June 14th, 2010
- No Comments »
My favorite time of the day is sometimes my least favorite time of the day.
A long day of work is followed by dinner with the family, and it’s finally time to put the kiddos to bed.
On some nights I’m tired, impatient, selfish, or busy, and the hour it takes to put my four little ones to bed seems to drag on forever. (I feel guilty writing that sentence!)
Most nights, though, I relish every moment. These nights have become more frequent as I have let go of my ambitions for a music career. Becky says I’m enjoying the kids more, and I am. Daddy’s just more fun when he’s not focused on himself!
One by one I make the rounds–not always the same order, but everyone gets time with Daddy.
Lately they ask me if I brought my iPhone with me. They like to play Angry Birds, or Tic-Tac-Toe, or Checkers. Sometimes it’s a Muppet video on YouTube, or exploring Google Earth to find Daddy’s car parked in the driveway. It’s a fun time!
Two nights ago my son asked me if I had my phone. I said no. He turned to Becky and said, “Mommy, can you put me to bed?” Just goes to show where his loyalty lies!
Then tonight, as I lay next to my second daughter, Abby, she wrapped her arms around my arm and said, “Don’t go, Daddy! Let’s talk more. I missed you this week.” Those are the moments you let go of the agenda–you relax, linger, and listen.
Dads, what will your kids remember about you?
I bet they’ll remember the times you lingered.