Fatherhood isn’t easy. Each day Dads function with an enormous amount of pressure supporting their families and THEMSELVES. It can feel like running through a course on American Gladiator, every. single. day. Why do we do it? Where do we find the motivation to work through and overcome the constant trials and tribulations that come with fatherhood? The answer isn’t easy and often times finding the strength to do it on any given day can feel daunting, especially in the modern world.

According to a PEW Research study, it’s harder to be a Dad NOW, then it was 30 or 40 years ago. Even worse, Dad’s are their own worst critics, believing their fathers were better Dads than they themselves are. I can relate to being a self critic. I can overthink things and decisions I have made until the end of time, but we need to challenge this as misinformation and highlight what really is true.

The hard truth? Dads are dadding better than they have ever dadded before.

In 1982 about 43 percent of Dads admitted to never changing a diaper. That is now down to just about 3 percent of Dads. To be honest, I can’t imagine getting away with not changing my kid’s diaper from time to time. That being said, the magic lies within the engagement with the child. Does changing your kid’s shitty diaper make you closer to him or her? Nah, but being more engaged and connected with your children strengthens your bond with them AND improves their cognitive abilities. I know I want my kids to be the best they can be and if that starts with me spending spending some more time engaging with them, well, that’s one of the best return on investments I can think of.

Dad Code tips to spending quality time with your kids:
1.) Pick out bad ass books that you get excited to read too and volunteer for bedtime routine. I personally love monster truck and outer space books with my toddler.
2.) Throw your kid into a backpack and go for a hike. They love it, it gives mom some quiet time (if she doesn’t want to join!) and you get some steps in, which is crucial to surviving the early years of Dadhood. I love the Osprey Poco for hiking.
3.) Throw them in the truck/jeep/car and head for a drive with your favorite playlist. I personally love going for a Jeep ride along the river cranking some punk rock or country tunes and my kids love it too.
4.) Do what I’m doing right now in between writing this blog: hold your newborn child in front of you eye level and make farm animal noises, pause and wait for them to react. Great way to kill 15 minutes before the next nap!