Since beginning this column, I have ended each of the previous sixteen entries with a monthly challenge and quote. From time to time, I have had people approach me and discuss how they have implemented the different challenges whether it be with their children or in their place of employment. I was recently encourage to consider an article that would encompass all the previous challenges into one article. After this conversation, I too thought it would be appropriate to not only re-post, but also to re-take the challenges. Just as we have recently, ‘fallen back’ in terms of daylight savings time, let’s fall back and move forward, by once again facing some of these previous monthly challenges. Here listed are the previous challenges.
1. Think and list 10-15 empowering words that describe your child(ren). Make time with them to share your list.
2. Make time with your family to share some of your favorite travel, vacation or childhood memories. If photo albums or videos are available, make sure to pull them out and spend time recanting these moments.
3. With the school year now up and running, my hope is that you will do a little research on your own and play a role in the academic success of your student. If you know longer have students in school, look how you may be able to make an impact on a student that lives in your area..
4. Take time this month to sit down with your children and have your own “Life Lessons” session. Build a list of lessons learned from your upbringing and memories that you can share with your children. Be sure to discuss how that has helped to make you the parent you are today.
5. Sometimes getting out of the house is important. Hop in the family car and go for a drive. Plan a roadtrip with your children to revisit the place where you grew up. If this is not possible, sit down and share your childhood memories through pictures and words.
6. Inventory your needs and wants. Make it a point to share the spirit of Christmas with those around you by choosing an activity of service for your neighborhood or community. Make somebody’s day by wishing as many people as you can a Merry Christmas.
7. Ask yourself why you pursue the passions you pursue. Ask yourself, "Why do I do what I do? What is my purpose? After asking yourself, take the time to reflect and journal your list.
8. List and discuss your families simple pleasures. Take time to recall the really simple things that continue to put a smile on your face and the face of others.
9. Take time to build, define and share your powerful words and skills that you believe to be paramount to your success on your journey through fatherhood. Make it a point to share your list with family, friends or co-workers.
10. Look over All Pro Dad classic Top 10 list to see how well you measure up as a father. Set a measurable goal by assigning each key point listed one point. Take the time to keep a daily or weekly score and discuss your evidence of what or how you did. Have your family keep score with you and you will have impactful conversations.
11. Take time to list the top 10 qualities you have learned from your mother that have helped to shape the person that you are today. If possible, create and frame your list. It is the perfect gift from your heart.
12. Cities around the country have linked father-daughter dances together into a national event highlighting the important role of fathers in the lives of their children. Whether it is on stage or in the living room of your own home, make time to dance with your daughter.
13. You may not have to go to the extreme of 6 months as Susan Maushart put her family through, but make it an emphasis to limit screen time for yourself and children. Chart the hours your family spends being plugged in versus being unplugged. Remember our children often watch more closely than we may think, we must model being “unplugged”.
14. Take the time to watch the music video by Rodney Atkins and listen to the words of “Watching You” intently. Sit down with your children and discuss a time that you have said or done something that you may not be proud of, but by being immediately honest things worked out. This activity will emphasize that even when we make mistakes, the most important thing we must do is to be honest take responsibility and live a life of integrity.
15. We all know of a “Big Bob”. Take time to sit down with and have breakfast with somebody that emulates what the Greatest Generation stood for. Put away the technology and listen to their world wide teachings. Pay particular attention to their stories of commitment and sacrifice during what as many seem to think of as a much simpler time.
16. Day to day family life can wear all of us down. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, you and your family can become drained. At a minimum, you can lose sight of what is most important in your lives, and put you on the brink of a shutdown. Take time as a family to discuss what you, as a father, believe to be the most important thing you can do for them, and why you believe that to be the case.
Monthly Challenge: Take the challenge of putting the sixteen previous challenges into action. Keep a checklist handy and grade yourself. A great way to spend the upcoming Thanksgiving season is to share your results with your family and friends.
Monthly Quote: “Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. ” ~ Author Unknown, from Be Thankful
coshoctontribune.com
