The voice in your kid's head
Featured Dad: Charlie King
I’m at a point in my life where my children are now adults.
I’m enjoying it so much.
They are fully formed, and living their own lives and I get to be a part of their journey by watching them, being curious and celebrating what they have created for themselves.
I love to listen as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, the things that they learn on their own and insights that they generate for themselves.
I’m always blown away at how smart they are, and how they come up with new and unique solutions that I would never have thought of. They need very little for me at this point.
What I found is that the more I sit back and allow them to navigate themselves, they choose the time in place when they would like support from me.
And when they do, they are really listening and it’s often really lovely as we talk about them navigating a current challenge.
QUOTABLES
“If not you, then who? If not now, then when?“
“You are perfect, whole, and complete just as you are. Proceed accordingly”
“How your kids will remember you will be a direct reflection of the actions you took in the words you spoke. Be bold in your actions and thoughtful in your expressions.”
“The way you speak to your daughter when she is growing up will become the voice she hears in her head when she thinks about herself.”
CHARLIE RECOMMENDS
Journaling is a “work in progress” for me. I strive to do it more often than I do, but I find value in it every time I do it.
I heard a quote at one point that says “paper is more patient than people“. It has really stuck with me. It speaks to the fact that there’s a lot going on in our head that we need to get out, and there’s no better medium than by writing it out by hand. With a pen or pencil, in a notebook.
Your notebook will always be there for you, has plenty of time for you, never has to go anywhere else, won’t interrupt you, won’t give you advice you didn’t ask for, and won’t be a distraction while you process the thoughts going on in your head.
My favorite notebook: Leuchtturm 1917
My favorite pen (perfect for a guy who purses down too hard for most ball points): Sharpie S-Gel
Two “TV” plugs:
One: Greyhound
This Tom Hanks movie is a gem. It’s not long, it’s not over arching, it is specific to one storyline. It demonstrates the struggle, the humanity, the courage, the grit, the sacrifice that’s required in life. Also, as a World War II history buff, it’s a loving recreation of a incredible period in our brief history.
Two: The West Wing
The series is comfort food for me. Smart, hard-working people who are trying to do their best for themselves, for each other and for the country. Being willing to face hard truths and make difficult imperfect decisions with imperfect humans. A masterpiece of a series.
SHAMELESS PLUGS
You can find me (Charlie) on LinkedIn here.
FROM KC:
Special thanks to Charlie 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 🙈
Why don't dads ever win at hide and seek?
Because they're always found in the garage.