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Challenge: Life Changes

Fatherhood’s Little Wonders

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Here’s what I know for sure. Ready? None of us really know what we’re doing as parents.

True story.

Wait, you’re still looking for that guidebook on how to raise perfect children? Yeah, it doesn’t exist. Keep it moving. We just figure it out as we go along.

Sure, we want to ensure our children are happy, kind, and safe, but the road to getting there is a pretty bumpy one. That’s because parenting is ridiculously difficult. No two days are the same, the challenges are unpredictable, our patience is routinely tested, and we’re constantly impressed by how much stuff we can get done while in a perpetual state of exhaustion.

But hey, parenting isn’t all bad. Check that — it’s actually waaaaaaaay more positive than not.

I have two young daughters (5 and 3 years old, respectively), and since they were born, they’ve taught me how to take time to appreciate the little wonders when it comes to raising them. Because in reality, it’s the little wonders that make the biggest memories. Here are just a few that come to mind.

Putting on a “Finding Dory” BAND-AID® after I cut myself and rocking it all day long because my daughters wanted me to.

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Realizing that fatherhood is a contact sport.

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Understanding that I’ll do whatever it takes to make my kids happy. Sometimes that means letting my daughter spray my non-existent hair with JOHNSON’S® NO MORE TANGLES® detangling spray and giving me a pretend day at the beauty salon.

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Finding creative ways to travel.

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Walking to breakfast with messy hair and pajamas, and doing it like bosses.

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As a guy who just released a children’s book that celebrates the little wonders of fatherhood (and coincidentally, it’s called I Wonder), I strongly believe in enjoying every one of these special moments. Before we know it, our kids will be grown and starting families of their own, and we need to take the time to enjoy them now.

Am I the perfect dad? Nope, but that’s because he doesn’t exist. I’m just a parent who’s figuring it all out as I go along — just like you. And that’s just the way it should be.

I am compensated by JOHNSON’S®, the sponsor of this community. Every idea and word written is my own.

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