One thing I’m learning quickly as my kids approach the teen years is that they will always love me. But they might not always like me.
Being a parent perceived as an authority figure, however compassionate I might be, doesn’t work forever.
When they’re 4 or 5 years old, absolutely. Have at it.
But if I stay locked into being the authoritarian and disciplinarian as my kids develop their own ideas, beliefs, and realities, I’m likely going to lose their respect and trust.
They’ll still love me. But they won’t like me much.
QUOTABLE(ISH)
My wife and I often share Instagram reels with each other about parenting and the trials and tribulations of being a parent—especially in this modern day and age.
So I don't necessarily have a specific quote about fatherhood or parenting that’s stuck with me. But I think it's harder than ever to be a successful parent, spouse, employee, sibling, son, and friend.
Technology has made it so much easier to connect—with everything and everyone all the time—the expectations to be everything to everyone has changed dramatically from when our parents became new parents.
I am forever grateful to be all of those things. But my attention gets stretched to the point where none of them gets 100% of me.
That's hard.
These Reels my wife and I share remind me that the parenting struggle is real, we’re not alone, and I’m not a failure as a parent for not being able to be 100% at everything.
DYLAN RECOMMENDS
I love cycling. But riding on the roads is risky and potentially life-threatening. So this year I invested in a smart trainer:
​The Victory Zwift Smart Trainer​
I’m trying to be around for my kids as long as possible. Maintaining my health and fitness is going to help me live longer, but being out on the roads on my bike for every single ride is a risky proposition.
So getting a smart trainer helps me get a cycling workout in without risking my life on the roads—and I can do it while the kids are home. My kids aren’t old enough to stay home alone, so this is a massive win-win.
It’s not cheap. But compared to the safety it brings, the price isn’t a factor.
SHAMELESS PLUG
Hey — I'm Dylan 👋
Folks can follow my email tips and newsletter advice on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dylanredekop​
And if you’re into growing, optimizing, and monetizing a newsletter, you can subscribe to mine here: growthcurrency.net
​
But if podcasts are more your thing, you can check me out as cohost on the Growth In Reverse podcast.
FROM KC:
Special thanks to Dylan for today's issue!
And thank YOU for supporting the 30 Days of Dads series.
If you enjoyed this issue, please:
- Forward it to a friend, or
- Send them to 30DaysofDads.com.
And remember...
Move your body.
Clear your mind.
Repeat.
Keep up the good work!
-KC
DAD JOKE 🦃
Q: If the pilgrims were still alive today, what would they be best known for?
A: Their age.
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