Dad, we’ll start by stating the obvious: Your health is important.
Your No. 1 job is to be an effective parent and role model. To fulfill that task successfully, you have to be in good shape, both physically and mentally, and possess the stamina to be there for your kids through thick and thin. If you simply brush it aside with a smirk and a shrug, then in essence you’re shortchanging your entire family – and you’re placing their welfare somewhere further down the list of parenting priorities.
If you feel good, you’ll have a positive outlook. If your attitude is upbeat, your demeanor will reflect that and serve as a positive model for those you love. This is critical for keeping up with your kids, being there for them, engaging with them and involving yourself in their lives.
Here are some reminders we’ve used that might work for you. You’ve heard them all before, but we dads tend to let work and other obligations get in the way. It never hurts to review and perhaps reshuffle our priorities.
* Be active. Visit the gym; take a walk; play some tennis; go on a bike ride. Embrace daily exercise. Just remember, clear vigorous activity with your doctor before you try to prove how many push-ups you can do. Produce some sweat equity with your kids.