Remind Them #373

Remind Them #373

If you’d like to hear this message instead of reading it, tune in to the Living Your Legacy Podcast.

Recently, I watched four episodes of “Relative Race,” in which long-lost relatives finally meet. I teared up in every episode, but one really struck home. This episode showed a man walking down his porch steps and saying, “Kaitlyn, I’m Shawn, and I’m your dad.” I can relate to those words from both angles.

You see, I was adopted and given the last name of a man who is not my biological father. The truth is, I’ll never hear those words, “Steve, I’m your dad,” because my biological father passed away before I met him. Let me just say that when that part of your life is missing, it leaves a hole in your heart that doesn’t go away. Today, I am blessed with a loving mother, a wonderful stepdad, two amazing sisters, and a family of my own, so all is good.

I believe there’s an alternative approach to help you build a stronger relationship with your children by creating a new daily habit that reintroduces yourself and reminds them of your love. When was the last time you introduced yourself to your kids? Was it at their birth or when you helped them say, “Dada?” If it’s been years, then it’s been too long.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What does I’m your dad, it’s your dad, or it’s dad even mean? Shouldn’t they already know that, and why do I need to say it?” First, it does mean something. It means more than you know. It means you’re willing to initiate contact with them today rather than waiting until a holiday. It shows them that they’re worth your time.

For example, a simple text that says, “Hey, i’s Dad, I just want you to know that I love you and have always loved you,” says more than just words on a screen. It relays that your love is steadfast and your presence is closer than they think. A message that instills that they matter to you and will never be forgotten.

When you consistently give daily reminders of your love and support, your children view you differently and see themselves in a new way. Their self-esteem rises, and they will try new things because they know that you’ll pick them up when they fall. Eventually, they’ll even look forward to your daily affirmation, guidance, vote of confidence, and your belief in them. Walls will be broken, bonds will be strengthened, and relationships restored, all from daily messages. And who knows, one phone call or one message at the right time will strike the right chord in their heart and change everything.

This simple habit could also affect future generations because your children will carry your example to their own children, shaped by what you did and how you showed your love for them. This could be the wheel that never stops spinning if you do it.

You still have time to make a difference and live a legacy by sharing your heart with your kids every day. Trust me, they’ll never forget. So, reintroduce yourself and remind your children of who you are, who they are, and whose they are, so “Hey, it’s Dad” means something again.

Visitlighthouselegacies.com for guidance to live a generational legacy. Also, check out the Living Your Legacy Podcast.