Unsolicited Parenting Advice #1 - Get Off the Couch

It is always best to wait for someone to ask for advice before giving it. When I humble myself to ask for advice, it means I will listen.  

I'm gong to break that rule and tell you something that helped me be a better dad.  I don't remember who encouraged me in this but here it is...

Get off the couch.

• Get off the couch and go to your kids the next time you hear them arguing.  Don't call them over to you just get up and calmly walk over.
• Get off the couch and walk over to your wife and give her a hug.  Don't make her stop what she is working on and walk over to you.
• Get off the couch and get on the floor with your young children instead of sitting them next to you on the couch.
• Get off the couch and kick the ball around with your kids.

I was amazed at the difference it made in family relationships and it was good for my health at the same time.

Ok, I feel better now. That's off my chest.  I just get this way sometimes.