I'm a good dad.

That was something I'd say during times my wife was totally berating me. In part because there was no counter to it. There is value in me because I'm a good dad. I work at it. I try to change my message to connect with each kid. I spend time doing things they like because I like seeing them happy. I HATE fishing... But I go all the time because they like it. I listen to them and let them educate me about their interests. If you want to be loved and respected by a child, listen to them. Kids are dying to have an adult's attention.

I've always held them and touched them and kissed them. My son is a big strong young man, and he bends so I can kiss his head. Nurturing matters. Coaching matters. Being an example matters. Playing with them matters. Having inside jokes matters.