7 Harsh Truths Every Dad Must Take In.

1) Your weekends are numbered.

The number of weekends with your kids is fewer than you hope.

Soon they are out doing their own thing.

Don’t waste a single weekend bonding with them.

2) Your alarm must ring before the rest of the family gets up.

Your job is to guide this family alongside your wife.

But if you don’t make time for a solid morning routine, you are chasing time, not leading.

3) Your superhero status has an expiry date.

Today your kids look at you like you're Thor.

That won’t last. Be silly and play the hero they think you are.

You and your kids will hold onto those memories forever.

4) Your dad bod is not ok.

I get it, you are busy. So am I.

The kids also love you, no matter what.

But don't you want to be the dad who can carry his son and grandson up the mountain, not the other way round?

5) Your work can wait.

My dad put work before family time on weekends. I hated it.

And yet I still push the kids aside to write one more email. Don’t.

6) It is not about you.

Being a dad means you have put your life in service of someone else.

It is all on you and there is no trophy at the end.

But being a dad is the biggest prize of them all.

7) Your friends are secondary.

Nothing and no one must be more important than your wife and kids.

Neglect them and you won’t be able to make up for it over a pint. Your friends will understand.

BONUS: As harsh as these truths are, embracing them will set you free.

Free to give your life in service of something that is greater than yourself.

Free to pursue a life that will be remembered for generations to come.