The Daily Dad

You Can Be A Parent Anywhere

Feb 16, 2024

02:53

Snipd AI

This podcast discusses the idea that parenting is not just confined to specific moments or locations, but can happen anywhere and in various forms. It draws inspiration from Socrates who practiced philosophy in different situations. The focus is on the importance of presence and adaptability in parenting, rather than roles or authority.

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Quick takeaways

Parenting is not confined to specific moments or locations, but can happen anywhere and everywhere.

The most impactful moments as a dad often occur in the ordinary and mundane, emphasizing the importance of continuous presence and adaptability.

Deep dives

Being a Dad Anywhere and Everywhere

Being a dad is not limited to specific locations or moments. Just as a teacher or a leader can fulfill their roles in various situations, fathers can also parent anywhere and everywhere. The philosopher Socrates, for example, didn't confine his teachings to a classroom. He practiced philosophy in everyday life, joking around, serving in the military, and even while facing arrest. Similarly, fathers can have a profound impact while joking around, taking walks, or demonstrating their work. The essence of being a dad lies in the continuous presence and adaptability, teaching by example and being open to parenting opportunities in various circumstances.

Being a Dad Anywhere

3min

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.

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