What is the measure of a father’s worth? Is it how much money he earns or how much respect he commands at work? Is it his ability to provide for his children, putting their needs above everything?
Is it the moral choices he makes and the example that he chooses to set for his children?
Or perhaps it’s the quality of his relationships, and the time and effort he invests in other people. While all of these play a strong part in being a good father (and a good man), there’s one thing of importance that’s, oft-neglected. And that’s how you spend your free time. While free time is generally something that’s in short supply, many of us have become accustomed to having a little more than we’re used to under lockdown.
But even as quarantine measures ease further, Dads everywhere need to think a little more about how they spend their free time.
While immersive ourselves in hours of movies and TV shows via streaming services or losing ourselves in a great videogame seems tempting after a hard day’s work, this can actually create more problems for our mental health and motivation than it solves in the short term.
Try devoting just an hour a day to…
Looking into online study
Getting frustrated about the lack of opportunities out there?
Feeling like you no longer get the fulfillment or excitement from your career that you used to? Or do you simply feel like it’s time to redefine who you are by gaining new knowledge and skills?
Campus learning might be prohibitive for busy Dads. But through online study you can gain prestigious qualifications from great colleges. Ever wanted to get Grand Canyon University Accreditation without leaving the house.
Fantasize about doing your Masters’s degree from your master bedroom? Online study can help you to achieve your goals with flexible online learning which you can fit around your job and your duties as a father.
Reading
Since the lockdown measures were first enacted, over 50% of us have started reading more.
Don’t lose that momentum now. Reading is not only a way to build knowledge and language skills, it allows us to connect to centuries of cultural heritage through the magic of books. Escape your comfort zone and try reading more non-fiction or classics.
Find opportunities to side hustle
Feeling like there’s never quite enough money to go around?
Worried about paying down your debts or not putting enough into your savings every month? Have you thought about using som of your free time to side hustle? You can earn extra money from your keyboard or your car on your days off and still have plenty of time to spend with your kids.
Look after yourself
Finally, one of the most important ways in which you can spend your free time is looking after yourself in mind and body. Look after your skin, cook a nutritious meal, try meditation, or simply enjoy a few minutes’ quiet solitude with a long walk.
Men who don’t take the time to look after themselves risk becoming bitter, grumpy, and resentful Dads.
