I started this blog originally as a way to document my insights and tips on parenting as well as to diversify for my freelance writing work. What I didn’t fully grasp, however, was how the blog itself might actually make me a better dad. While it might not be the best approach for everyone, it nonetheless has uncovered a potentially useful strategy that can make us all better parents – just write about it.
Aside from the benefit of looking back at my successes and failures (there have been many) of various parenting approaches and tips, I often find myself thinking about future topics or discussing new ideas with my wife and friends. This tends to keep good parenting top of mind and when I suddenly find myself slipping into bad habits, I recalibrate. It also makes me strive to come up with new ideas for activities with my kids, keeping in mind that it’s not just about filling time in a given day. It’s about doing something constructive for their development, yet thankfully and unexpectedly, it has been constructive for my development as a parent. This is not to say that every moment of every day is filled with enlightened educational or developmental activities but when there is a choice between what is easy and what is good, I find myself more often choosing the latter – if/when I happen to have any energy left.
It doesn’t have to be a blog, a book, or even a structured journal. Jot down an occasional thought on a post-it note. Keep a pad in your pocket. Email yourself or log an occasional idea into your phone. The benefit doesn’t come from writing for public consumption; it comes from the intrinsic value of introspection and critical analysis. Just as a quarterback watches hours of game film, he is able to improve by having the means to review strengths and weaknesses. Such anecdotal scrutiny not only provides the basis for the next game plan but, equally important, brings the necessary confidence to the players. Those that are at the top of their profession rarely (if ever) get there with just natural ability alone. They get there by constantly training and striving to be better. I’m a professional parent, so I can relate to that.
Stuck with Dad 