The Bond I Have Created With My Daughters

I am a very lucky guy. Not only did I get to marry my best friend, but from that love my wife and I were blessed with two awesome daughters. I never knew how I would be as a father. People have told me that I would make a great dad. That was nice to hear, but I think most people’s family and friends would tell someone the same thing. When was the last time you said to your friend that they would make a horrible parent?

My oldest daughter will be turning nine soon. I feel like the time has gone by so quick since she was born. The cliché that kids grow up fast is so true. I did wonder when I was holding my daughters when they were babies what the future would hold for me in terms of my relationship with them. What will we talk about? What will we do? Will they laugh at my jokes?

I have come to find out that all of these questions were revealed to me at certain points in my life as my kids and I were building a bond. I never wanted to force my thoughts, my passions, or hobbies on them. I want them to find their own true passions in life. I feel that if you push a child in a certain direction you are not helping them grow. They will not be able to find their true self.

Sure it would be nice if my kids enjoyed some of the things that I love, but that would just be icing on the cake. I have created a fantastic bond with them from so many different things. We share a love for comic books, Star Wars, sports, arts and crafts and the list just goes on and on.

Whether we are being silly at a museum by striking funny poses or playing badminton as a family we are building a strong bond each and every day. My kids talk to me about their day when we walk to our home from the bus stop. My daughters will read to me whether it is for homework or when we are just chilling at home on the weekend.

I love the fact that they were really excited to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when it came out in the theaters. While we were watching the movie my daughter’s eyes lit up when we some “Easter eggs” in that film. When we got home they were asking my questions about the film. I saw them sharing my passion for Star Wars and I was psyched.

It is not just them taking an interest in my passions, but I am following their lead and asking them about their passions. My girls like to bake, read, draw, sing, dance, and write stories. My wife and I love when we see our daughters use their imagination to draw a new fairy or write a story about our family turning into cats.

I am now learning that every day is a chance to strengthen my bond with my daughters. Even when we are sharing a meal together. We might play a game of would you rather or use our Table Topics card game. It is fun to learn more about what my daughters think about from their responses on each topic that comes up.

Another thing that we share is we love to eat cereal. When I was their age I loved eating cereal on a Saturday morning watching cartoons. I really enjoyed eating cereal with fruit! I would slice up some strawberries in my Honey Nut Cheerios and watch The X-Men animated series on TV. I was so happy!

Recently Cheerios came out with Very Berry Cheerios and it is fantastic. My whole family likes to eat it in the morning. There are times when I tell my daughters that we are going to have breakfast for dinner. They are jumping for joy as they get their cereal bowls and fill it up with Very Berry Cheerios. No matter what meal we are sharing together my family and I are talking to each other and learning more and more from each other.

So to any dads to be out there reading this please take my advice to heart. Use every day as a chance to bond with your kids. Not only will your children appreciate it, but you will too! Here are some other dads that are bonding with their kids! Share your videos with us here at Life of Dad.

I have partnered with Life of Dad and Cheerios for this campaign, but my opinions are my own.