For a long time, fathers were simply looked at as providers. They were someone who paid the bills, provided safety and security, worked long hours, and kept everything moving forward. If time permitted, they may spend a few minutes with the kiddos before everyone goes to bed. Fathers loved their children but may not have been involved in all the intricate details of raising them. While being a provider is not something to be shunned or overlooked, it paints a partial picture of what fatherhood can be.

Children will not just remember who bought them fancy toys or provided them a safe place to call home. They will also remember who played with them, read their favorite stories to them, experienced adventures with them, and showed up for them when they needed it the most. Fathers are not just there to provide resources, but to give emotional support, encouragement, guidance, love, and affection. A child may not remember an expensive vacation or toy, but they will remember playing with their dad in the yard or their father standing next to them during an amazing experience.

Being present for your child is an investment, and just like anything else, it requires effort, but it’s worth it. It requires putting down the phone during important moments. Even the small moments are important, like your child eating dinner or playing with their favorite toys. Being present means you are genuinely interested in your child. When they speak, listen closely without immediate judgment. Be involved in their everyday routines. Create small traditions as they grow up, like reading a book before bedtime or going to the park every Saturday morning. Do your best to honor commitments because children won’t forget broken promises, especially when it becomes a routine.

Many parents will continue the traditions of their own parents, which can be positive or negative, depending on the situation. If you had a father who was not present, but simply acted as a provider, you may want to break that cycle, and it’s up to you to do so. Look back on your life and decide which aspects you want to take from your parents and which you want to change. Show your kiddos that love can be shown through both words and actions. The greatest legacy you can leave behind is having a child who knows they were loved.