I recently published 10 Things All Moms Should Do Every Day. While the post received tons of great feedback (thank you), several people asked why the list didn't apply to dads too. And I believe most of it does, perhaps even all of it. Still, I didn't feel "qualified" to write from the dad's perspective. So I turned to the best dad I know and asked him to share his take on the 10 things all dads should do every day. Here's what he said:
- Compliment your spouse in front of your kids. Every day, find one nice thing to say.
- Do at least one piece of housework before being asked, bonus when your kids see you sharing responsibility for your home.
- Spend five minutes alone with each of your children. Talk, watch TV, help with homework, but make it one-on-one.
- Train your dog. Teach her to shake hands, roll over or practice the "stay" command. Just a couple of minutes everyday. Your dog will be that much better behaved and you'll be better to.
- Do one act of old school manners. Give up your seat on the subway. Hold the door for someone. Remind the world that chivalry is not dead.
- Say please and thank you, both in front of and to your kids. Show them respect and they'll respect you back.
- Tell each member of your family you love them. Every day.
- Let one thing go. Jerk cuts you off on the freeway? Let it go. Spill coffee on your shirt? Let it go. Each day, let one thing go and see where it leads.
- Say "I'm sorry." Sometimes you'll be wrong.
- Don't say "I'm sorry." You can't please everyone all the time. Sometimes living your life and being a dad may tweak someone. Walk your path with pride.
Amazing advice from an amazing husband and father. Thanks for sharing, Eric!