Humorist Richard Armour is credited with being the first person to use the phrase,  “hindsight is 20/20.” He used it in a California newspaper article in 1949. It felt true then and still does today. As a dad, how many times have you wished someone had pulled you aside and whispered some fatherly advice in your ear?

 Don’t blame yourself for what you didn’t know when your kids were younger. We learn and grow as we gain experience. Consider the wisdom you’ve gained and apply it in the future so you can become the parent you want to be. 

 Here are 5 things you may not know that you can apply to your parenting:

1. Kids need calm correction. 

Is your correction accompanied by too much energy? When we are calm, kids have a better chance of focusing on their behavior and not our mannerisms. Consider your breathing, facial expression, body language, and tone when you correct them.

2. Kids need times of correction AND connection. 

Focus on connecting with your kids. Why? More connection often leads to a lesser need for correction. It builds trust and respect. 

3. Kids have different communication styles. 

Kids have different, often evolving, communication styles. Discovering whether your child communicates best eye-to-eye or shoulder-to-shoulder is a good first step to speaking their language. 

4. Daily Routines or rituals are good for everyone in the family. 

Daily routines and rituals can make kids feel safe. If you add in a little fun to those routines and rituals it typically makes them more appealing. 

5. Enjoy the ride. 

Being a dad is one of the biggest jobs on the planet. We are supposed to be kind yet firm, providing yet present, sensitive yet strong, accepting yet shaping ­­– all the things! Don’t get overwhelmed. You are equipped for the job. You’re on the roller coaster ride of being a dad; sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the air, throw your head back, laugh, and simply enjoy the ride. 

Today’s Pro Move: Find your “down the road dad” and ask him a question about how to parent well.

Other resources: 

The Biggest Thing I Wish I Could Go Back and Tell Myself as a Dad

What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

New Father Advice

5 Things I Wish I Knew in My 30s and 40s

Go back and listen to episode 14: What Are Some Things My Kids Secretly Wish I Knew?

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