While growing up we learn quite a bit. As young children we figure out how to read and play nicely with other children. In high school throwing a football becomes a skill and we start to see the good (and not so good) side of women. In college some of us learned how to funnel beer and others actually learned business or psychology. Finally as real world adults we get married and become dads. I'm sure somewhere in between high school and the wedding you learned all about changing diapers and raising children, right?

There is no greater learning curve than becoming a new parent! When you earn the name "dad" it can be intimidating, but nothing you can't handle. In order to be a real father for your children, you do need to make an effort and really learn about children. You could learn a thing or two from your parents or maybe you have some experience with a niece or nephew. Now it's time to take it a step further by picking up a parenting magazine and paying attention to your wife. How could you be the best father for your children if you don't know what's going on in their life? Have you ever seen any dads that are afraid to pick up their newborn because they might break the baby? Some dads just don't put forth the effort to be a father. Do you know anyone like that?

My wife has a friend of a friend whose husband is destined to have no relationship with his kids. He has a stable job which provides for the family and allows her to stay home with the kids. They are the typical middle class family and fit right into the gen X age range. The problem is he can't, won't and doesn't hold his baby for more than 15 minutes and he must be sitting down (and this is his 2^nd kid).This dad has never changed a diaper, would never feed the baby, and hasn't even been alone with the kids, ever. When I heard this story, I felt bad for the children. How pathetic that he won't put any effort into being a father. Yes, he's a dad, but you have to earn the title of father.

It's unfortunate when some dads don't see the benefit of fatherhood for their children and for themselves. I learn from my children every day! Creativity and imagination keep me young. They remind me how quickly time flies and to pay attention in the moment.

Do you want to be the best father for your children? What benefits do you get from your children?

You had a restful night of sleep, ate a healthy breakfast and every light was green on the way to work. Sounds like your day is off to a great start! While at work your bonus check was bigger than expected and you accomplished enough to leave early. This day just keeps getting better! Finally, you come home to a happy family with your favorite meal waiting on the table. Isn't this how everyday goes? 
    
This may not have been your exact day; however, many of our days are like this one! They may not always include the big bonus, but the general outline is the same. The majority of people wake up, go to work, run errands, come home and its back to bed. There's a natural comfort level with the routine of our day and without some structure we feel lost. The problem starts when our days become too rigid. Monday through Friday simply coast along with the autopilot engaged. The weekend brings some change from your schedule, but two days of fun doesn't cut it.

How to you add more passion and creativity into each day? Get uncomfortable! Practice adding something new into each day. Think about what would make today more fun? Go to the zoo for your lunch break or just make up a nonsense word. Try an exotic food, strike up a conversation with complete strangers, or get new shirt unlike the rest of your wardrobe and wear it tomorrow!

Taking the time to change your routine gives your brain a fresh perspective on the rest of life. When you are faced with a challenge or feel a little down, choose to get out of your comfort zone. When you proactively make changes, you'll be better prepared for those unexpected bumps in the road of life.  

You have learned a new skill of happiness... start practicing today!   

Let's assume you get the chance to sit down to dinner with the family. Your wife made chicken parmesan, green beans, garlic bread and a nice salad (sounds pretty good). About ten minutes into the meal your cell phone rings, what do you do?

a)      Excuse yourself to get up and answer it.

b)      Flip it open at the table, look at the caller ID, and answer it.

c)       Let it ring until the call goes to voicemail.

Quite often your first instinct would be to do either "a" or "b", especially if it's your boss calling. What message does that send to your children? This attitude says that work and anyone else calling is more important than them. Then before you know it your teenage daughter's cell phone is buzzing nonstop and what do you say to her when she wants to answer it during dinner? Parents are experts when it comes to the cliché, "do as I say, not as I do." Here's a better catchphrase for parents who want to be a role model for their children, "do as I do and do it right."

Have you seen any of your bad habits show up in your children's behavior? It certainly doesn't feel good when you see that, but the opposite is true too. When your kids display excellent behavior... you're one proud parent!

How many choices do you think you've made today? Whether the number you came up with was 1 or 100, you can't survive without making decisions. Some choices are obvious while others seem to just happen. Too many times we let choices be made for us and wish we could change the outcome.

You're in control of your day! You may say you feel like you don't have a choice; however, you couldn't be more wrong! You decide your career and who you're in a relationship with. You choose what you eat and how much time you spend with your family. You choose which road you take and which people to be friends with.

The size or importance of the decision doesn't matter, practice being mindful of each decision you make. When you make a choice that didn't work out, don't do it again! Learn from any poor decisions in your life and move on. Remember you determine the course of your day and your life through choices and actions.

Is there a situation you need to take control of? What decisions are you going to make to better your life today? Practice this skill of happiness everyday and you will have a happy life!

You have learned a new skill of happiness... start practicing today!