99 ways
99 ways
October 19, 2009
Beer? Nope. All you Dads who were hoping this post would have something to do with the “99 Bottles of Beer On The Wall” song can go ahead and leave now. Come on, this is a parenting blog. 
Here is my Monday through Friday routine:
1. Wake up early
2. Work throughout most of the day
3. Pick up Breanna and try to cram as much fun and excitement as possible into the few hours that she, Eva and I have available to us before it’s time for Bre to go “moo moo” (her toddler word for bedtime, but that’s another story for another time).
Within this pattern lies two essential problems…
Problem #1: Most of the day is spent away from my wife and daughter, the two most important people in my life.
There’s really nothing much I can do about Problem #1 unless I am able to:
A) Hit the lottery
or…
B) Become a famous author and guest speaker.
I’m not holding my breath for option A, although I buy a ticket now and then. Option B is completely within my grasp, but it will take some time. So let’s move on to Problem #2.
Problem #2: There is a limited amount of time available during weekdays to experience the good stuff with Breanna.
Obviously, Problem #2 is closely related to Problem #1.
I started reading books about fatherhood long before Bre-Bre was born. Now, I primarily read daddy blogs to see what other dads are up to and what kind of fun parenting ideas I can get from them. Tonight, I found a blog post on the Natural Papa blog entitled, 100 Ways To Be A Better Father.
It’s a terrific list, and I hope you dads take a minute to check it out.
Like my own father, I don’t have a chance at #83 (so my list has been reduced from 100 to 99).
But it still gives me a great reminder of some key things to focus on during Breanna’s few hours of consciousness between me picking her up from daycare and her bedtime!
What would you add to this list?
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Twitter: Krob5858
says:
Great post, I love how you formatted it. Very entertaining. It’s definitely a difficult task to make workday evenings enjoyable with the family. I try to do something fun each day after work, but sometimes I just too tired and then I start to feel bad as if I’m letting them down. They always get read a book and get undivided attention, but sometimes I wonder is that enough on those tough days?
Twitter: BrianCSimpson
says:
Thanks for your comment and the compliment on how I formatted this post. I used picapp.com for the images (free stock photos for bloggers = WIN!!!)
I know what you mean. The key word in my post was TRY. I’m right there with you, because I feel bad if I don’t give Bre 100% of my attention during that limited window. Plus, I need to pay attention to my awesome wife, Eva.
But hey, none of us are perfect. As long as we’re trying as best we know how, that’s all we can ask of ourselves (and hopefully that’s all others will ask of us, too).
This weekend, I was able to get a little time away from the house (went and grabbed a big fatty breakfast and read some of a new book I picked up, then did some research for the parenting book I’m working on). Simply having a few hours to yourself works wonders, and then you can come home and get back to the 100% daddy (and hubby) mode.
I love the last picture! I think you have it all figured out and are just afraid to admit it. ;o)
don’t change a thing. you’re perfect.
mwah!!!
Twitter: BrianCSimpson
says:
Not even close to perfect, but I try. Thanks for finally commenting on my blog, cutie. It only took you 10 months! LOL!! I think I’ll walk across the living room and give you a kiss right now.