Christmas is known as the season for giving gifts.
But it can also be a very stressful season for many.
I know every December weekend so far has either been filled with events or preparing for said events. (And we're only just past halfway!)
But WHY do we care so much?
Why do we rush around preparing for events and buying gifts for people?
Because of LOVE.
We want to give gifts to the people we love and we want to celebrate Christmas with the people we love.
I'll happily be the one to remind you (and myself), Christmas isn't only about giving gifts, but it is completely about LOVE.
After all, Christmas was built on love from the start.
But how do our kids spell LOVE?
Here's the answer...
Kids spell love T-I-M-E.
There's nothing wrong with giving your kids gifts, and I believe you should.
But, this Christmas season, the best and easiest way to show your kids you LOVE them is by giving them your TIME.
At the end of the day, kids really truly know they are loved by you when you spend quality undistracted time with them.
Don't just take it from me, there are countless sources out there who will tell you the same thing.
One of my favourite podcasts at the moment is by Hamish Blake (from Hamish & Andy), and it's called:
"How Other Dads Dad".
It's a ripper of a podcast, and I recommend it to every parent who has the time to listen.
The gist of almost every episode is this:
*SPOILER ALERT*
If you want to be a good dad, then just show up for your kids consistently and give them your undistracted time.
Because at the end of the day kids care more about your presence than your presents.
So this Christmas here's a gift idea for you to give to your kids that won't cost you anything:
Turn OFF your phone (google it if you're not sure how), get down on their level, tell them how much time you've got (even if it's just 20 minutes), and give them 100% of your attention, and then play what they want to play.
The first time you do this, it may take a little while for them to figure out what's going on and for you to remain focussed. (I'm guilty of this too!)
Many kids crave this kind of attention but rarely get it.
Just be patient and live in the moment.
It's not complex, it's not hard and it will mean the world to them.
It's a small practice that if you introduce as a regular habit, will change your relationship with your kids forever.
That's what we're all about here at Dad Certified...
Building your confidence in parenthood, and improving your family relationships.
You got this!
We're cheering you on!
Dad Certified Stock Updates:
All products are in stock & shipping. Pre-Christmas delivery is not-guaranteed but today is the last day to order for select metropolitan areas.
New Product ALERT:
We've had a lot of requests for a mum version of the Dadventure Diary! The answer is YES, we'd love to create this product for all of you. If you've got any ideas of what it should look like, how it should be similar or different to the Dadventure Diary, and what it should be called, please reply to this email and let us know! Thank you, we value your suggestions and feedback!
Dad Jokes of the Week
What’s the absolute best Christmas present?
A broken drum — you can’t beat it!
🎄🥁😅 (check above for the correct answer 😉)
I'd never sign up for a human-cloning program. I don't think I could live with myself.
💉🙅♂️😂
My recliner and I go way back...
🙄💺😉
Dadventure Ideas for this Week
Here are a couple of ideas to inspire your Dadventure with your kids this week:
- Christmas Light Looking 🎄 (Clean the car windows, remove the window shades and take the kids on a drive to see some Christmas lights in your area. It'll probably be after their bedtime so dress them in their PJ's in case they fall asleep 😉. )
-
Surfing/Body Boarding 🏄♂️ (For kids 5yo+, borrow a board if you don't own one and make the most of the waves this summer.)
Staying In Date Night:
- Blind Taste Test 😋 (Take turns secretly picking out a variety of foods you have at home for each other to taste blindfolded. Use toothpicks to avoid giving the feeling of the food away beforehand and time how long it takes the other person to work out the flavour.)
- Recreate Your First Date 💏 (Meal, location, outfits, what you talked about... Even down the photos you took together on your first date. Enjoy the memories. 😊)
P.S.
Don't forget to check out the How Other Dads Dad Podcast with Hamish Blake here (highly recommend):
https://howotherdadsdad.com/
If you'd like a Dadventure Diary, Date Night Diary, or Grand Adventures Diary before Christmas, today is the last recommended day to order for metropolitan areas on the east coast.
Pre-Christmas delivery cannot be guaranteed but order now with Express Postage for the best chance of your order arriving before Christmas.
