Explore the idea that parenting can happen anywhere, beyond the confines of traditional settings. Discover how spontaneous moments, like joking around or going for a walk, can leave a lasting impact. Embrace the philosophy that everyday interactions, whether in the workplace or on family outings, offer valuable lessons. Just as Socrates demonstrated, connecting with your kids can occur in life's most unplanned moments, highlighting the joy in being present.
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Parenting Anywhere
Be a present parent anytime, anywhere, just like Socrates taught philosophy.
Parenting happens in everyday moments, not just designated times.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Socrates' Example
Plutarch said Socrates taught philosophy everywhere, from the marketplace to his deathbed.
He demonstrated that life itself is a classroom for learning and growth.
insights INSIGHT
Quality Time vs. Garbage Time
Quality time with your kids surpasses structured lessons or formal settings.
A passing comment or shared experience can have a profound impact.
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When we think teacher, we think classroom. When we think leader, we think the corner office or the lectern or a general in front of their troops. But the truth is that a teacher can do their job anywhere and in many forms, just as a leader can.
Plutarch would say of Socrates that he “did not set up desks for his students, sit in a teacher’s chair, or reserve a prearranged time for lecturing and walking with his pupils. No, he practiced philosophy while joking around (when the chance arose) and drinking and serving on military campaigns and hanging around the marketplace with some of his students, and finally, even while under arrest and drinking the hemlock. He was the first to demonstrate that our lives are open to philosophy at all times and in every aspect, while experiencing every emotion, and in each and every activity.”
As with teaching and with leadership and with philosophy, so too with parenting. You can be a parent anywhere. It’s not just on fishing trips or at family dinners. It’s not just about carrying them around in a baby bjorn or going to back-to-school night. It’s not about punishments or incentives, or rules or life lessons, though of course it’s also about all these things too.
Remember what we’ve talked about with quality time vs. garbage time? It may just be that the most impact you’ll have as a dad will come while joking around, it may come on a walk, it may come with how you do your job (and show them your work), it may come on a family vacation or it may come while you’re watching TV and make some passing comment that lands in exactly the right way. It may come—god forbid—on your deathbed, as you depart from this life with courage and compassion, showing them that they don’t need to be afraid, that you love them and that they’ll be okay without you.
The Daily Dad