These posts written by Todd (Amy’s husband) are designed to model a system of purposeful living. At least once a month, I spend time setting meaningful goals around one of seventeen core priorities.
If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.
Correct Priority
Priority #5 – Social Health – Immediate Family–Children (Teagan-Social & Emotional Health)
Preface
Many dads get the big stuff right. But it is the little things that make our children feel special, valued, and cherished. Paying Attention To Our Children will be an ongoing series highlighting the little ways in which I purposefully notice the little things in the lives of my girls.
In most cases I think I care far more about the details than they do, but even in these cases there is one thing of which I am certain – they know I love them. And a child who feels loved and cherished by their father (in addition to mom) is a child better positioned to thrive.
Goal Setting & Reflection Date
Sunday, January 29
Goal
Once a month purchase a bag of candy to put in the candy dispenser she got for Christmas.
Goal Status
Completed (Ongoing-Monthly)
Thoughts
Our oldest, Teagan, received a very cool gum/candy dispenser for Christmas. It is battery powered and a few pieces of gum or candy are released by simply waving your hand under the area where the candy is dispensed.
Amy and I have purchased the girls a gum machine or two over the years. But they were usually rinky-dink little things that broke within a week. Or when the gum ran out they were forgotten and eventually tossed.
But this particular gum dispenser was pretty cool and the entire family would sneak into Teagan’s room on occasion to grab a snack. Teagan also thought it was a neat gift. So much so that when the candy ran out towards the end of January she asked if I would take her to the store so she could spend her own money to refill it.
{At the candy store…now THAT’S a candy machine!}
I made a decision right then that at the beginning of each month Teagan and I would shop together for a new snack for her candy dispenser. And I would pay for it. Normally my girls need to spend their own money if they want candy. But in this case I decided to make an exception.
In March we bought Pretzel M&M’s. In April we bought Skittles. For May and June we bought Gobstoppers.
Link To Foundation Post
Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts
Purposeful Living Series
Links To Additional Posts In This Series
Anonymous
June 20, 2013 at 9:30 amYou brought tears to my eyes. Such a lovely example of love–the little things like this your daughter will cherish throughout her life. I just stumbled upon this site and I am enjoying it very much. I’m sure I will post more comments as I read more. Thank you for taking the time to be an inspiration to others. Nora from Illinois.