How do I Make Life Fun as a Dusband?

Just Laugh

One of the best scenes in my mind is my wife on the ground laughing so hard that she is crying. It's almost as if all of her stresses and worries are being let out in that one moment of relief. Our son Jaiden (JT) has one of the most contagious and full laughs that I've heard from a toddler. I don't think I've ever had him laugh hard and not joined in. For example, try listening to this kid laugh and resist laughing yourself:

We need to laugh. We have to. In an article published in Forbes by David DiSalvo (2017), he mentioned scientifically that laughter does six key things: releases endorphins, forms social bonds, fosters brain connectivity, aids relationships, has effects similar to antidepressants, and protects your heart. Therefore, when you are thinking next time if I should laugh or be serious -- laugh! You'll look back one day and wished you laughed more. I know I look back and wish I did in different situations.

Do What They Enjoy 

This one is tricky, but I've found that life is a lot more fun when I do what my kids and wife want to do more than what I want to do. Although there are days where I really don't want to do what they're doing, it makes a difference. For instance, I get home from work at times and just want to sit and relax. I deal with teenagers all day and desire to get a rest every once in a while. Guess what? My wife has been teaching, entertaining, cleaning, caring for (and much more) kids the whole day. When she sees me walk through that door, it isn't "Oh hey! Please take a break from your hard day." It's more like, "GET IN HERE AND HELP ME WITH THESE KIDS! I'M GOING CRAZY!" I know, she doesn't say it like that but that's what she is thinking.

When I stop, think, and allow myself to do what she wants and that is play with the kids in whatever activity they want to do, there comes the fun. Yes, I may enjoy checking my social media and taking a break but think about the impact I am having on my wife, kids, and myself. In a Facebook survey I did on what makes a good dad, many mentioned that time was one of the best things one can invest in; not just time but actually being with your kids doing what they would like to do. 

Storytime

Some of my fondest memories with my kids are getting into their world and engaging in what they would like to do. In fact, I just practiced doing this: I went and entered their world. Tonight, I helped our oldest two kids get ready for bed while my wife took a break (sort of) and watched her favorite weekly shows with our youngest. Guess what they wanted me to do? Tell them a long story. Rather than put it off and say something like, "Maybe some other time" or "It's late and you need to go to bed", I entered their world. I told a ridiculous story about a dragon and a boy that made us all laugh. But, the best part happened next. My son and daughter then took a turn telling me a story and I couldn't help but laugh because of how funny and creative they were. 

Simple. Unspectacular. Boring and maybe dumb but it works to make life fun as a dusband. 😀