What I Wish I Did With My Kids More Often When They Were Young

5 Ways to Be More Present and Engaged With Your Family [Fatherly](%2F%2Ffatherly.com%2F%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/RCO88xSz2bS9wN4knnYJGey72Cg=276) Jul 03, 2022 Given the chance, every parent would likely go back and do at least a few things differently with their kids. The reason is simple: Mistakes are a big part of parenting and, as you grow, it’s natural to reflect on the things you could’ve said or done more often. Yell less, for instance. Or take more of an interest in their hobbies. Or teach them to better understand their emotions. We recently asked a group of dads to reflect on what they wish they did more with their kids when they were little. The thoughtful answers we received speak to a simple truth: The thing about time is that once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. So, use it wisely. SELF %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fwhat-i-wish-i-did-with-my-kids-more-when-they-were-young%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/VOqwchuPZwu9iWpg89ASNHnH6kc=276 [What I Wish I Did With My Kids More Often When They Were Young, According to 12 Dads](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fwhat-i-wish-i-did-with-my-kids-more-when-they-were-young%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/4lpSxCT7VRbCJ-PM99nZU7o_Ee0=276) A dozen dads-who’ve-been-there reflect on [what they’d prioritize if they could do it again.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fwhat-i-wish-i-did-with-my-kids-more-when-they-were-young%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/Gk_UlXon_sdmmDP_t6Yr0AjVHPE=276) [read this story](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fwhat-i-wish-i-did-with-my-kids-more-when-they-were-young%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/FQ_UXVoyB-NQZWXiMtdVRlqveBM=276) How To Be A Bit More Present With Your Family [01] Choose What You Bring Home When you walk in the door at night, take a moment to remind yourself that you are not at work anymore. Do your best to let go of the day’s distractions, or at the very least, make a conscious decision to put them off until later. [01] Stick to Your Promises Give your family your word that you will be present for a certain period of time and stick to it. That means no phone at dinner, no email during a soccer game, no taking calls during a recital. When you’ve made the agreement, follow through. [01] Visualize the Dad You Want to Be Take some time to visualize the type of father you see yourself as. Let that picture take shape in your mind to the point where you can see what that dad looks like and acts like. But be sure to take your lifestyle into account. If you create a larger-than-life image of a super dad that is impossible to live up to, you’re setting yourself up to check out. FURTHER READING [4 Simple Practices To Help You Live In The Moment](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Flive-in-the-moment-advice%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/TknkhDAg4cPO-sNdv4Bt0pFP0xk=276) [How Be More Present And Engaged With Your Family](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fways-fathers-parents-be-more-present-engaged-with-family%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/ZUEU9D3V7ekSnqvHHMPlhr3wHg0=276) [Your Guide To Not Missing Out On Your Child’s Childhood](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth-science%2Fwhat-does-being-present-mean%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/3ZObMjekZxbUN5E2sKHBgctEGhU=276) PARENTING %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fhow-to-apologize-to-a-child-parenting%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/kgXQ418NtmxRI4MW96r2wfPUUss=276 [How to Apologize to Your Kid When You Screw Up](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fhow-to-apologize-to-a-child-parenting%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/Vuo7Pf_w6HDBgDgppYqIT_rrWKg=276) Unapologetic parents [raise unapologetic kids.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fhow-to-apologize-to-a-child-parenting%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/5ytCG5WwsLU52PJ1CEt_9bgdfBE=276) [read this story](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fparenting%2Fhow-to-apologize-to-a-child-parenting%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/tgsGCZzif5mcK6Q-FXycRwu6PpU=276) FOOD %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fmarc-forgione-eggy-pizza-recipe%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/9i-3CdXTVnjI5EXZh0TiBY6I2Do=276 [Chef Marc Forgione's "Eggy Pizza" Is A Perfect Breakfast For Toddlers](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fmarc-forgione-eggy-pizza-recipe%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/Bz1gNcr2pvQQTWVmyzsaj8mR5yY=276) The acclaimed restauranteur and Iron Chef makes mornings [fun for his 3-year-old with this healthy recipe.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fmarc-forgione-eggy-pizza-recipe%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/KwddYrqLRA1PJIsOsYu1PLg9Y-o=276) [read this story](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fmarc-forgione-eggy-pizza-recipe%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/XIigjwhaJypQPtLtEV7CgoBzJ40=276) MONEY %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-is-stagflation-is-it-going-to-happen%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/NHIl0RvKg7YOpvxH5q-grp6YNPE=276 [What Is “Stagflation” And Is It Going To Happen?](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-is-stagflation-is-it-going-to-happen%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/liriH_hW1ptJFyKxP0lPIDsUrFc=276) Here’s what to know about [the worrisome financial term.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-is-stagflation-is-it-going-to-happen%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/dN_Jav7qHqs2Pz7qwkkQx-Aq92Y=276) [read this story](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-is-stagflation-is-it-going-to-happen%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/DaeIS-GnEkvHqthC7i79P8101pU=276) DRINKS %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fhow-to-make-ranch-water-variations%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/WrVQGmp2W437ArJMgJryqDJR4jQ=276 [6 Ways to Make Ranch Water, Your New Favorite Summer Drink](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fhow-to-make-ranch-water-variations%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/-OQg1WBvNr-nhAHfEYsjxg6gaTk=276) Simple and refreshing, the ‘West Texas cocktail’ makes a perfect dog day’s go-to. [Here, six bartenders, offer their variations.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fhow-to-make-ranch-water-variations%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/DfV_0DawJGD2eSnvtuFAmC2xVSQ=276) [read this story](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fhow-to-make-ranch-water-variations%3Futm_campaign=32377%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/01000181c593e654-044ff576-5f61-43c9-91b4-c1636ac48c1e-000000/x3TXsX3gpjpvUBMIN4-6D26k7KM=276) You're receiving this email because you signed up to receive communications from BDG Media. 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