The Most Important Gift You Can Give Your Child
January 04, 2012, By Jim Higley 2 comments
You're thinking you're done with holiday gift giving, aren't you?
Perhaps.
But as we head into the new year, there's one important gift all us dads need to remember to give our kids.
Think "Velcro."
I like Velcro. It's a nifty invention, don't you think? Two strips of fabric—one with hundreds and hundreds of tiny hooks, and the other with countless miniscule loops. Each little filament, by itself, insignificant. Nothing to it.
But press those two strips of fabric together and those unassuming hooks collectively catch all of those corresponding loops to create a connection that is strong and powerful. Use enough Velcro and you'll be hard-pressed to separate the bond.
I like that visual.
And it's one I keep in my head as I tackle my day-to-day fathering and the important gifts I need to give my three children.
You see, somewhere along my journey, I've come to realize that being the dad my kids need me to be isn't found in big, monumental gifts, "things" or even moments of their life. For sure, many of these big things matter. But they also can mask the truly valuable gifts we need to be giving our kids.
I'm talking about the little things. The tiny connections we have the opportunity to make day-in and day-out with our kids.
Like listening. With interest. Or putting down a project to look them in the eyes. Saying "yes" to that last-minute errand they want to run—realizing those moments will quickly be a thing of the past.
These connections can be found in the way we react. Especially when we are navigating the tougher spots of family life. Do we show respect? Do we take time to think? Do we parent consciously and really think through what is best for our child at the moment? Or do we let our own emotions rule?
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