It was just about this time last year that I got really serious with the Good Dad Project.  To be honest, at first I started the Project for selfish reasons…I wanted to become a better Dad myself.  

I didn’t really grow up knowing a Dad.

As a result, I didn’t really have a good “blueprint” to be a good Dad myself.  So, I wanted to learn as much as I could.

Over the past year, I have learned there are so many of us Dads in the exact same situation.

We want to get the most out of being a Dad.

We want to give our kids a positive experience growing up.  We want to enjoy the journey as much as possible.

The funny thing is we all share very similar pitfalls.

Last year when I wrote the Good Dad Project’s first Ebook, “The Top 5 Mistakes Dads Make and How to Avoid Them” it was a great time to reflect on all the mistakes I was making as a Dad and how to fix them.

One of the mistakes I mention in the book is not being present in the moment.

I was so guilty of that.  I was always distracted with technology, social media, work, emails, etc.  (I still have this issue from time to time).  Technology is a great thing…but it can also wreak havoc on our relationships if we aren’t careful.

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from a Mom by the name of Heather.  When I read Heather’s story about her husband, Jim, she mentions how much she appreciates him being “Present in the Moment.”

Check out what Heather wrote:

“This is my husband, Jim, and this two boys. Colton is 14 and from my husband’s first marriage.  Grayson will be 3 this August.

I knew before I married my husband, what a great father he was.  Being a blended family is DIFFICULT, but IT doesn’t diminish any love from his heart.  If anything, it makes him a stronger man.  He truly is a great father to both boys- whether it’s making truck and car noises or guiding our young teenager into a Christian life to be proud of- my husband is always there for them.

I feel he is PRESENT, not going thru the motions. He sits and PLAYS with Grayson. Makes sound effect noises while reading/playing.  He is NOT afraid to be silly, laugh at himself.

I think that sets an incredible example for both boys. It could be playing with the hula hoop or dancing in the kitchen. Not just with us, but in front of people he doesn’t know. He’s confident in himself. He’s a man of great faith- he discusses his faith with Colton, asks him his thoughts and challenges him to think about his beliefs.”

There are so many pearls we can take from Jim’s spin on “Dadhood.”

Jim has an inspirational combination of Dad skills.

He teaches confidence and faith.  He obviously has a sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously.

You can tell he has fun with his kids and is present in the moment.

Heather, thanks for sharing Jim’s story!  Jim, thanks for the inspiration!

If you haven’t joined our free community of parents, please sign up.  The GDP has grown so fast over the past few months.

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Thanks for all your support,

Larry