Hey there, Keith here, coming at you from our cozy little corner in the digital world, where tunes set the mood and candid chats unfold.
Sitting across from me is Dai Manuel, my co-pilot on this wild ride we've dubbed "Two Dads in the Lab Trying to Be 2% Better."
Together, we're on a mission—a quest to be just 2% better. Not 10%, not 5%, but a manageable, achievable 2%.
Today, we're diving deep into something that's been gnawing at us: the psychological benefits of active fatherhood.
You see, Dai and I, we're just like any of you out there—juggling the demands of life, career, and fatherhood. We've found ourselves at a crossroads, questioning if the path we're on is the one we want to lead our children down. It's not just about being providers or the stereotypical "man of the house" anymore. It's about emotional engagement, sharing parenting responsibilities, and truly being present in our kids' lives.
For me, this hits close to home. I've been so caught up in the whirlwind of starting a new business, the Business Athlete Performance Lab, that I fear I've let the fatherhood and husband side of things slip. It's a confession that I lay bare to you, our readers, not as a beacon of failure but as a stepping stone toward that 2% betterment.
Dai shares his insights too, drawing from his experiences and the stark realization that emotional availability and vulnerability are not just optional extras but essentials in the parenting toolkit.
Together, we explore the evolution of fatherhood from the "breadwinner" model to a more nurturing, engaged, and supportive role.
So, what does active fatherhood mean in today's society?
It's about breaking free from those traditional molds and stepping into a space where emotional well-being, stress management, and quality time are paramount. It's about being the role models our children deserve, showing them that strength lies in vulnerability, hard work, and emotional connectivity.
As we peel back the layers on our own fatherhood journeys, we invite you, our fellow dads (and moms, too), to reflect on your parenting path.
Are you embodying the qualities you wish to see in your children? Are you being the man you'd want your daughter to marry, or the father you wish your son to emulate?
This conversation between Dai and me is more than just an exchange of thoughts.
It's a call to action for all of us to engage more deeply with our kids, to embrace the discomfort of growth, and to continually strive for that 2% better in our roles as parents.
So, as you tune out from this post and return to the rhythm of your day, take a moment to ask yourself: How can I be a better, more active father today? How can I make that 2% shift towards a deeper, more meaningful connection with my children?
Until next time, keep striving, keep reflecting, and remember, the journey to being a better parent is one that never truly ends.
It's a path paved with small steps, big leaps, and the unwavering belief that we can always be a bit better than we were yesterday.
Catch you in the lab,
💥
Keith & Dai - The Two Dads
The Benefits of Active Fatherhood