Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
In honor of Father’s Day, we asked readers what makes them feel as though they’re fully at home in their roles as dads. Here are six of their sweet, funny and true responses →
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
I feel most like a dad when I am out biking with my son. He’s right in front of me in his bike seat with his dinosaur helmet. He holds “Maxie’s handlebars,” I hold “Dada’s handlebars,” and we explore and conquer playgrounds together.
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
I do bedtime most nights, so I get to help my 6-year-old work through his fears before going to sleep.
I feel most like a dad when we’re talking about everything from the dark to Covid-19 to the Yellowstone supervolcano.
Listening to his concerns and sharing my own concerns helps us both to manage our fears and our stresses.
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
Achy from my second Covid shot, I was sprawled on the floor of my 10-month-old’s bedroom as she slapped my back with both hands like she was beating the dirt from an old rug. Peak dad.
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
My brain is keenly aware that I’m a dad every day, whether it’s watching tidal waves of soapy bathwater breach the sides of the tub, building a new backyard swing or having a Cheerio-stacking contest with our 5-year-old daughter.
Feeling like a father is when I’m overcome with emotion watching her sleep after story time.
I’m reminded by the comfort and feeling deep in my blood that she is my world.
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
In retrospect, my peak dad moment was the first time I was able to undo the latch hooks on each of my kids’ car seats, move them to new cars, and re-latch in one swift, multi-second motion. Never did I feel as capable as a dad!
Bedtime and Bike Rides: Achieving ‘Peak Dad’
I felt like a real dad when I earned my daughter’s trust enough to remove the splinters she would pick up playing outdoors. I vividly remember my dad getting out the tweezers and doing this for me growing up.
Whether you are a dad, have a dad or know one, happy Father’s Day from NYT Parenting!
