Today’s advice is a little backward…you’ll see what I mean.
So, I’ve got 4 kids (3 girls and 1 boy). We really enjoy spending time together. Whether it be hiking, watching a movie, or shopping together. My wife and I have tried to make everything we do a little bit of an adventure. A couple days ago we went to the grocery store and just finished shopping. As we were leaving the store one of my daughters said, “Wanna race to the car dad?” “Sure,” I replied.
“Sure,” I replied.
She started out, “On your mark, get set…”
I stopped her and said wait. Then I did what any good dad would do.
I cheated.
As I took off she laughed and called me the dirty rotten cheat I was. But, I’m getting older and she is almost as fast as I am. I barely beat her to the van. When she caught up I promptly proceeded to rub it in a little. You know… “Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. I win! I win!”. Real great dad stuff.
When the rest of the family caught up with me, my son (who is only 9) looked at me and said, “Real mature dad!” He was stone-faced serious.
We all paused a beat or two then spontaneously burst into laughter.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that sometimes (and by sometimes I mean most of the time), acting your age is immensely over-rated. Who says a 38-year-old man can’t rub it in a little? Where does it say that adults can’t race, or play tag, or get grass stains? When was I supposed to to send my inner child on an eternal time out?
I say, stop it! Stop acting your age and start enjoying life. Especially if you have children. They won’t remember most of the things you say to them, but they will always remember the times you tried to make their lives more fun and meaningful.