Washington, D.C. – no matter which side of the political spectrum you find yourself, the pageantry and spectacle of the 2013 Presidential Inauguration was impressive to see. Fathers of all political and sociological types, can take away several things that seem minor but can be magnified into life lessons fatherhood and parenting tips. They enhance attentiveness and are as follows:
Honor the Important Moments: important moments have built in expectation. Be creative. Make them memorable for others. Realizing the Inauguration is already steeped in historic significance, President Obama made a connection with history by being sworn in on the Bibles of two assassinated and beloved civil rights giants – Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr…Dads should create memories for all involved on special days.
Be Appropriately Affectionate to those Most Important in the Moment: yes, President Obama showed and made it clear that he appreciated everyone involved and the millions in attendance; however, at key moments with the world watching, he especially showed the comfort in endearment and vulnerability with his wife, first lady Michelle Obama and his two daughters, Natasha "Sasha" Lynn Obama and Malia Ann Obama. At several moments kissing Mrs. Obama while Sasha and Maila took snapshot on their iPhones. The millions were loved. Sash and Malia were loved exponentially more and the first lady was loved the most – definitively. Dads make your wife the undisputed number one person at all times, especially in front of your children and also publically. Treat your first lady like a queen - for all to see.
Capture and Remember the Moment: one of the most poignant moments during the entire day was at the end of the ceremony on the Capital Mall. In the tunnel while exiting, President Obama stopped and turned around to take in the view of the enormous flag-waving crowd. He told the secret service and all others walking with him “I want to take a look, one more time. I'm not going to see this again.” Dads should model this. Let your children know that there are times to slow down and savor important times in your life. Let your thankfulness be clear and evident.
Fathers who master these concepts during the important moments, anniversaries, birthdays and holidays will go along way toward providing security for their family for the next four years and beyond.
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