My Dad Made Me a Better Mom

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that I am a total daddy’s girl. I always have been. I am lucky to have a dad that has always played a huge part in my life. Growing up, my dad taught me a lot of important things like how important it is to stick to your word, the value of teamwork, the importance of family, and how to keep a proper box score for a baseball game. Most importantly, my dad taught me how to be a consistent, fair, and loving parent. 

Because of my dad I am a better mom.

Teamwork

My dad worked full time and my mom ran an in-home daycare. When I was about 11, my mom felt the pull to go back to school and earn her teaching degree and my dad had her back all the way. While Mom went to school in the evenings, Dad would shuttle us to practices and make sure homework was done. My mom taught me the importance of following your dreams and my dad taught me the importance of being a team with your partner so that goals can be met! 

Consistency is Key

Being consistent is one of the hardest parts of parenting for me. It’s so much easier to just change the rules when things are difficult,  but it’s so much better for the kiddos if they know what is expected and what the consequences will be. It’s important to my children that I stick to my word. Growing up, I could always count on my dad for that. Even though it sometimes means we have to leave fun events early or we can’t give them a gift we’ve had planned, my dad showed me that it’s worth the sacrifices so that my kids know I say what I mean and mean what I say. 

Family First

My siblings and I always knew that our parents loved us. Our parents came to every event that they could and if they couldn’t make it, they made sure someone else was there to cheer us on. Showing up and making your family your priority is so important. And now as grandparents, they show up for my kids!

My dad was never bothered when I’d sit with him and watch baseball games and ask a million questions. Our parents watched every living room show we put on. They spent their summer vacations taking us all over the country to see and experience new things. We always knew that we mattered to them.

For good or for bad, our parents shape so much of who we are. I am so blessed that my dad is still one of my best friends and offers me guidance even to this day. I don’t have this whole parenting thing figured out and my dad didn’t either, but while I was growing up, it sure felt like he did. He likely won’t see this, because he’s “too old” (his words, not mine) for social media, but happy Father’s Day, Dad.

Thanks for giving me the tools to be a better mom.