My Most Important Title is “Dad”

The most important and meaningful title I’ve ever had is “dad.” Balancing young kids, work, romance, health, etc., has been challenging for so many, especially those working from home with small children. I constantly feel like I could and should be doing so much more and that I’m neglecting something or someone.

This week our 3 yo started school for the first time after a surprise acceptance to a great pre-K program. His mom had a trip and for the last five days I’ve been juggling two toddlers going to and from school with presentations and client calls. I remember the days of being a single dad with my first born many years ago, and recall feeling the same way: I should be spending more time with my son, and yet I need to demonstrate my super dedication to this company to climb the ladder.  

Today is my birthday, my wife is back and I’m giving myself a mental break (the kids and work still need attention). This morning making PB&Js for both boys, getting them ready, packing their backpacks and dropping them off at school was satisfying a way that’s hard to describe.  Public Relations is a practice of slow and steady reputation management and brand building. Sure, there are thrilling moments around big announcements, events or crises averted, but day-to-day is a marathon, sometimes without a result every day that feels tangible (daily data analytics aside).

Making my sons’ PB&Js, cutting them diagonally just like they like them, dressing them in new clothes we just bought, putting everything in their backpack exactly how the school wants it, being just-in-time for drop-off and pick-up – all of it gives me a such a deep sense of satisfaction as a provider.

During Thanksgiving I prepared a few family recipes for the first time, including a labor-intensive cornbread dressing. Putting the time and effort in sourcing the best ingredients, following instructions written in my mother’s hand, adding a few of my own touches and serving my family scratched my “provider” itch in new and very succulent ways. More please!

Here’s to the parents and providers and to giving yourself a break. Here’s to the satisfaction of tangible and measurable outcomes. Here’s to keeping your stride in the marathon of reputation management and thought leadership. And here’s to making the most of this next trip around the sun and being the very best I can be, for all my stakeholders, especially the little ones, every day.