Being There for Your Children: The WarDad Way
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Your Presence is the Legacy
Every warrior knows that his greatest duty is not just to fight battles but to protect, guide, and strengthen his own. As fathers, our battlefield is fatherhood, and the greatest gift we can give our children is not money, not possessions, but our presence.
A father’s presence is his most powerful weapon in shaping his children’s future. Being there physically, emotionally, and mentally builds trust, security, and legacy—three things that no amount of money or gifts can replace.
1. Presence Over Presents
Too many fathers believe providing financially is enough. While providing for your family is essential, your time is more valuable than anything money can buy.
🔹 Kids remember experiences, not things – They will remember bedtime stories, playing outside, and your words of encouragement more than expensive gifts. 🔹 Quality over quantity – Even if you work long hours, the key is making the time you do have meaningful and engaged. 🔹 Small moments matter – A quick hug before school, listening to their stories, and being at their events means the world to them.
💡 Challenge: Put your phone away for at least 1 hour a day and dedicate that time 100% to your kids.
2. Lead by Example
Children don’t just listen—they watch and imitate. If you want them to be strong, disciplined, and honorable, show them how to be.
✅ Demonstrate resilience – When life gets tough, show them how to handle adversity with courage and patience. ✅ Model discipline – If you say you’ll do something, do it. Teach them the value of consistency and hard work. ✅ Show respect and kindness – The way you treat their mother, their teachers, and others will teach them how to treat people in their own lives.
💡 Remember: Your children are your greatest legacy. Build them with actions, not just words.
3. Be Emotionally Available
A father’s strength is not just in his ability to protect but in his ability to connect. Your children need to know they can come to you without fear of judgment or dismissal.
🛡 Listen More Than You Speak – Let them express their thoughts and emotions without interruption. 🛡 Validate Their Feelings – Teach them that their emotions are normal and help them process struggles in a healthy way. 🛡 Encourage, Don’t Just Correct – Discipline is important, but so is affirmation. Let them hear that they are strong, smart, and capable.
💡 Action Step: Ask your child, “What was the best and hardest part of your day?” and truly listen.
4. Show Up for the Big & Small Moments
Life moves fast, and childhood is gone in the blink of an eye. Be present for both the big and small moments:
🏆 Big Moments: Birthdays, school events, sports games, graduations—your presence on these days reinforces your support and love. 🛠 Small Moments: Breakfast together, bedtime talks, playing in the yard—these little interactions create lifelong memories.
💡 Truth: No one ever regrets spending too much time with their children—only too little.
5. Protect & Provide, But Also Nurture
A father is a protector, provider, and leader, but he must also be a teacher, nurturer, and encourager.
🔹 Teach life skills – Show them how to fix things, cook, train their body, and solve problems. 🔹 Encourage their passions – Let them explore their interests, even if they are different from yours. 🔹 Create family traditions – Rituals and traditions strengthen family bonds and create a sense of belonging.
💡 Remember: Your child’s confidence and identity will be shaped by your presence in their life.
Final Thought: Be the Father You Needed
No father is perfect. But the one thing that matters most is being there. Whether through discipline, support, or simply presence, you are the rock your children need.
Time is the one thing you can’t get back. Don’t wait for “later”—show up today.
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By Ash Sarracossa