Why I’m writing a blog giving myself advice, I don’t know. Why I’m giving myself advice on a subject I have zero experience in, I don’t know that either. Never-the-less, welcome to a pre-dad’s inner dialogue on fathers day.

1. Grow up.
Marriage has brought out some childish tendencies in me. My “adult-style” tantrums may involve shutting down rather than scream crying, but they’re tantrums none-the-less. Unfortunately, if I don’t learn how to captain my emotions in a more productive way, someday my kids will become my competition and inevitably drown me out.

2. Learn how to stay energized.
“I don’t have the energy for it.” It’s often my first justification when faced with something I don’t naturally want to do. I assume anyone with a parenting resume would be the first to tell me: either you learn how to manage your energy levels or you cut out a monthly budget to keep your fridge stocked with Redbull.

3. Be a Son.
Good sons make good fathers. And though in the natural it often proves true as well, I’m alluding to a more spiritual place. In a biblical context, God is a good father that intensely loves to take care of his children. I’ve seen it throughout my life. When I live conscious of my relation to a very good and very capable Daddy, I often find my capacity to give and to love significantly more vast.