Last week was crazy busy for me.  But as I think about it, for most of us dads, every week is super busy, wouldn’t you agree?

And being a super busy dad is one of the gravest dangers to our families.

Something about being super busy, especially with our work, makes us feel productive, successful, a sense of accomplishment, purposeful.

To us, that is.

But not in the eyes of our children.

On more than one occassion, I am sad to admit that I have heard my oldest son scolding his younger sister or brother for interrupting when I’m busy working at my desk.

“Dad’s busy. Leave him alone.”

Oh how those words have cut to my heart like a knife. If there is one thing I don’t want my children to have memories of their father is that he was too busy for them.

If we are too busy with work to spend loads of time with our wife and children every week, then we are too busy — no excuses.

And the fallout down the road will be painful. Our spouse and children will look to other people or other things to fill the void that a husband and father’s love was meant for.

You are the only person on this earth that can meet that deep need your wife and children have. The need for their husband/father’s love expressed through his time with them.

Like a broken record, I will repeat it again…

We must show our love to our family by the time we personally spend interacting with each of them. Each week.

So from one super busy dad to another, let something go at work until next week. Keep one more thing “not crossed off” on your to-do list.

And go spend some more time with your wife and children.

You won’t regret it.

Blessings to you and your family,
Joey Watkins
Host of FamilyDads.com

P.S. – Having to practice what I preach, I spent several hours yesterday afternoon in the large field behind our house picking wild mushrooms the size of potatoes and having a “war” throwing them long distances at my children. Each time one hit the ground, my kids burst out laughing at the explosion it made. We followed that up with throwing a frisbee together for quite a while. They loved our time together, and so did this dad!

P.P.S. – What did you think about the US mid-term election results? Will we see more pro-family legislation in the months ahead?  Post your comments at our FamilyDads Facebook page.

Be sure and watch this video to the end. It has a powerful ending and convicting message to fathers.

Where I am, it’s snowing right now. And for my kids, the word “snow” is synonymous with “fun.” I think if they had to choose between a day at a theme park or playing in the snow, they would probably choose the snow.

In a few hours, enough snow will have accumulated on the ground for them to spend the afternoon running and playing in the white stuff.

My work allows me the flexibility to spend time with my children when I want to — such as an afternoon in the snow. I am very grateful for this flexibility. It is one of the rewards of self-employment.

But I still have to make that choice to give my time to my family. I could just as easily spend my afternoon getting “caught up” on work, emails, and other pressing tasks.

My kids would still run out and have a good time without me.

But that’s just it. It would be WITHOUT DAD!

Years from now, when they are grown, I want my children to be able to look back on their childhood memories and remember the times when dad WAS there. I want to model that kind of fatherhood to them so they can model it to their children and pass it down for generations to come.

An absent dad is one of the most damaging things that can happen to a child. It is also one of the most effective tactics used today to break down the family and develop apathy and disrespect of children toward their fathers.

I pray you will have many opportunities this year to choose time with your children over your work, hobbies, and other distractions. Your work will always be there, but your children won’t.

Involving your children in your life and investing your time in their lives is something we family dads MUST do!

Blessings to you and your family,
Joey Watkins
Founder, FamilyDads.com

Choosing To Cheat is a book by Andy Stanley I highly recommend to dads who struggle with giving their family enough time or who aren’t in a position to do so because of their job responsibilities or workload.

December is such a great time of year.

Where I live, we enjoy a lengthy holiday season, decorated houses and yards colorfully lit up at night, the sending and receiving of Christmas cards, fantastic Christ-focused music playing in the stores, delicious food with family and friends, and extended downtime from work to spend with our family.

Andy Williams’ song indeed says it best… “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

But there is something else I like that is unique to December…

It gives us an opportunity for two very important things:

1. Reflect on the year coming to an end
2. Consider and plan for the new year approaching

As dads, this involves significant action on our part!

So, how was your 2009?

Did you spend enough time — quality time as well as quantity — with each of your children this year?

How about time with your wife?

Did you teach and train your children in the things you wanted them to gain understanding in this year?

Would you say they are closer to reaching your goals for their lives than they were at the start of this year?

Is your marriage richer, closer, and more fulfilling for both of you than it was at the beginning of this year?

How will 2009 be remembered in your memories?

I encourage you to write down at least one top memory you have with each of your children and your wife from 2009.

In fact, why not gather the family together one evening after dinner and just sit around and share memories from the year? Reminisce about the fun times and signficant events and memories from 2009, and even write them down or have a recorder handy while everyone shares.

And then consider and discuss how you might make 2010 an even better year… for you personally, for your marriage, and for your family.

Have a planning time with just your wife too. It’s a great bonding experience.

Listen carefully and openly to her input.

Let me encourage you as we wrap up this year to also set aside some time alone to reflect on the year we are about to say goodbye to, and plan for the new year.

Spend time praying about this, too, discerning God’s direction for you and your family. Listen to Him most of all.

And commit to honor Him in the new year as the dad of your children, the husband of your wife, and the leader of your home.

Blessings to you and your family,
Joey Watkins
Founder, FamilyDads.com

P.S. – As you consider your year-end giving, if you can help FamilyDads with our ongoing financial needs, we could sure use it.  It will encourage me personally, but more importantly provide much needed funds to help more dads discover, embrace, and maximize their influence and leadership in their family in 2010.

P.P.S. – Thank you to everyone who has done some of their Christmas shopping at DadResources.com this month. You can still place orders using Priority Mail for delivery in time for Christmas. Shop here.

by Joey Watkins, Friday, July 18, 2008

July is quickly passing by, and that means so is summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere.

Summers are, of course, unique for our sons and daughters.

It is the time of year when most of them are out of school and have more time for other activities, summer jobs, time with friends…

And more opportunities for us dads to spend time with them.

How am I doing with spending time with my children so far this summer?

Have I taken extra time off work to be with my family?

Am I taking advantage of my kids being out of school for these few short weeks?

If not, let me encourage you to maximize the remainder of the summer and do so.

Be intentional about spending time with your children.  Work can wait. It will always be there. Your kids won’t.

R E S O U R C E S   for   D A D S

How To Be Your Daughter’s Daddy

by Dan Bolin

365 Ideas to spend time with your daughter and show your love and care to her.  Learn More and Order

How To Be Your Little Man’s Dad

by Dan Bolin

365 things to do with your son and model fatherhood to him.  Learn More and Order