Me and Seth

Why I Love Being a Dad

What is a home without children? Quiet. - Henny Youngman

So my wife and I decided to treat our kids by taking them to a water park, complete with slides and pools and fun stuff like that. It was a reward for the sacrifices they’ve made as we strove to become debt-free, and a celebration for the success of some of my recent projects.

I told my three-year-old son, Seth Isaiah, that we were going to the water park:

Seth: (excited) Are we going today?

Me: No, we’re going tomorrow.

Seth: (pauses to consider) OK … but next time? Can you make it today?

Me: I’ll do my best.

—

I took my other son, Rain, to the video game store for his 10th birthday the other day. He’s an avid gamer, so I thought I’d give him a treat: “You can have any video game in this store,” I said. “Any game.”

He could have chosen the $100+ Guitar Hero III or the even more expensive Rock Band. He looked around for awhile … and chose a $30 strategy game similar to Risk.

I shook my head in wonder.

—

Our oldest son, Justin, was enjoying the cookies n cream ice cream we got the kids as a treat while we were at the water park.

He cracked the other kids up when he made an exclamation about the ice cream in a Southern accent (he jokes around a lot).

We heard the kids laughing and laughing, and I asked them what was so funny. “Justin said, “Ah love this delicious ass-cream!’ ”

Ah ha ha ha ha ha!

—

My middle daughter, Maia, has been excited because she’s growing a lot … if she reaches the four-foot mark, that means she can go on the bigger slides at the water park. It’s been a goal of hers for more than a year.

We got to the water park, and she was very excited and proud, because she measured herself at the sign that says “You Must Be This Tall To Go On These Slides”, and she was tall enough. She was so happy.

It turns out, her hand was slanting upwards diagonally from the top of her head to the line on the sign, so she mismeasured herself. And she wasn’t quite tall enough yet. And the lifeguard stopped her, and she walked away in disappointment.

I almost cried for her.

—

My oldest daughter, Chloe, is in high school, and she’s into gadgets and MySpace and Rock n Roll.

She recently really wanted an iPod Touch, and every now and then she’ll ask me about my ebook sales or blog earnings. I’ll report my earnings to her honestly, and then instantly regret it — she translates those earnings into the number of iPod Touches I could buy.

Her latest craving is a drum set, which she has priced out at $1,000. I was recently giving her a talk about investing, and how your money can earn more money for you. I said, “… so for example, if I invest $10,000, and my investments make 10%, that’s $1,000 I’ve earned by doing no work at all.”

Chloe: “You know what you can buy with that?”

Me: “Three iPod Touches?”

Chloe: “Yeah … or a drum set.”

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. - Author Unknown

—

My 21-month-old daughter, Noelle Cayce, is the bossiest of my six children. She’s tiny, but with a deep, husky voice, and she’s very loud.

She likes to yell at me: “No, Daddy! No!” While shaking her finger at me, a stern look on her face.

It’s good to know who’s boss.

I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it. - Harry S. Truman

—

What did I get from our all-day stay at the water park? Sun burn. Exhausted body. Empty wallet. And an amazing day spent with the wife and kids.

We finished the perfect day off by sitting on beach chairs at a white-sand beach, watching the sunset together.

I love being a dad.

Why I Love Being a Dad

What is a home without children? Quiet. - Henny Youngman

I told my three-year-old son, Seth Isaiah, that we were going to the water park:

Seth: (excited) Are we going today?

Me: No, we’re going tomorrow.

Seth: (pauses to consider) OK … but next time? Can you make it today?

Me: I’ll do my best.

—

He could have chosen the $100+ Guitar Hero III or the even more expensive Rock Band. He looked around for awhile … and chose a $30 strategy game similar to Risk.

I shook my head in wonder.

—

Our oldest son, Justin, was enjoying the cookies n cream ice cream we got the kids as a treat while we were at the water park.

He cracked the other kids up when he made an exclamation about the ice cream in a Southern accent (he jokes around a lot).

We heard the kids laughing and laughing, and I asked them what was so funny. “Justin said, “Ah love this delicious ass-cream!’ ”

Ah ha ha ha ha ha!

—

I almost cried for her.

—

My oldest daughter, Chloe, is in high school, and she’s into gadgets and MySpace and Rock n Roll.

Chloe: “You know what you can buy with that?”

Me: “Three iPod Touches?”

Chloe: “Yeah … or a drum set.”

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. - Author Unknown

—

My 21-month-old daughter, Noelle Cayce, is the bossiest of my six children. She’s tiny, but with a deep, husky voice, and she’s very loud.

She likes to yell at me: “No, Daddy! No!” While shaking her finger at me, a stern look on her face.

It’s good to know who’s boss.

I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it. - Harry S. Truman

—

What did I get from our all-day stay at the water park? Sun burn. Exhausted body. Empty wallet. And an amazing day spent with the wife and kids.

We finished the perfect day off by sitting on beach chairs at a white-sand beach, watching the sunset together.

I love being a dad.

Posted on 13 January 2008 in Aboutzenhabits, Finance & Family |
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Comments (79)

Brett Says:

January 13th, 2008, 23:19 pm

You sound like an awesome dad, Leo. I can’t wait until my wife and I start having kids. Hopefully by this time next year we’ll have a “little Brett” in our home. Thanks for sharing!

Tina Su - Think Simple Now Says:

January 13th, 2008, 23:48 pm

Awwwww…. Leo, thank you for a slice into your life and allowing us to share the joys of being a parent. For a few seconds while reading your snippets, I felt like a parent and seeing my own kids through loving eyes.

Thank you for sharing! :)

Warmly,
Tina

Danny Says:

January 13th, 2008, 23:50 pm

I often hear about the horror stories of growing up, getting married and having children. It’s nice to hear the positives. Thanks, Leo!

Nez Says:

January 13th, 2008, 23:53 pm

Thanks for posting — I’m hungrily devouring your “dad posts” for inspiration, even though I only deal with two boys.

It’s hard to imagine how you deal with six, although part of it sounds like there’s a big gap between ages.

Keep up the great work!

SM Says:

January 14th, 2008, 0:03 am

Awe. You brought me out of the feed-reader woodwork just to say “awe.” AWE.

Samantha Says:

January 14th, 2008, 0:09 am

I’m 22 years old and me and my boyfriend talk about children alot(He’s been hinting at marriage as well). I can’t wait until I have children, I hope we can make our children laugh as much as we make each other laugh.

The water slide story almost made me cry.

FekketCantenel Says:

January 14th, 2008, 0:25 am

What SM said.

Joanne Says:

January 14th, 2008, 0:32 am

I enjoyed this post…your children sound delightful. :)

I have three myself: 9, 12 & 15.

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

January 14th, 2008, 0:46 am

It sounds like you’re having a blast. I can’t wait to be in the same position!

Naomi Dunford Says:

January 14th, 2008, 0:50 am

Awwww! Your kids sound fantastic! Michael is eight and has had a personality from day one. Jack turned one in September and, um, didn’t. Finally we discovered he needed glasses and he has turned into your Noelle. It’s like, now that he can see us, he can boss us around!

Awesome stories, Leo.

Edith Says:

January 14th, 2008, 1:12 am

Thanks for a great post. Great dads make a world of difference - thanks for being one!

kamal Says:

January 14th, 2008, 1:39 am

Even as a single guy who doesn’t know if he wants children, I enjoyed this post a lot, Leo.

Marley Says:

January 14th, 2008, 2:30 am

Awww - and who says Monday morning motivation needs to be all about goals ‘n’ stuff.

I’m starting the week with a warm glow! Thanks Leo.

Marley

djc Says:

January 14th, 2008, 2:38 am

I have an 11 week old and i’m already starting to enjoy all the wonder your post so beautifully illustrates!

It’s the most amazing thing in the world.

Darryl Heron Says:

January 14th, 2008, 2:43 am

Nice post. Being a parent can be very rewarding. It is also one of the most important things that you can do. No matter how messed up the world might seeem at times, it is encouraging to think what kind of things our kids might do in the future! It is nice to have the moments that you have written about. You should write more about being a dad, I’m sure that you have all kinds of wonderful experience that you can pass on to those of us with fewer kids, those new partents, and those thinking about becoming parents.

Darryl

Peter Says:

January 14th, 2008, 2:45 am

Yup…. being a Dad is awesome. Thanks for a great post Leo - I had a smile on my face from start to finish.

Warren Says:

January 14th, 2008, 2:54 am

What a great day to be alive. I am happy you got to spend such a day with your family.

Someday fatherhood will come my way. I’ll let you know if I will love it then… ;)

Lyman Reed Says:

January 14th, 2008, 3:24 am

Wow… thank you for sharing those stories, Leo… made me laugh, choked me up…

I’ll never forget to “make it today.” :)

AJ Says:

January 14th, 2008, 4:02 am

I’m not a parent myself but I really enjoyed this post. Kudos to you for being a good father.

Shabeer Says:

January 14th, 2008, 4:06 am

Six kids? You sure you aren’t from India … we love large families too (as is evident from our country’s population :).

Really enjoyed this post … thanks for sharing it with us.

mandrake Says:

January 14th, 2008, 4:06 am

I’m not a sentimental guy but I must admit this post is great. Thank you Leo. And btw keep on good work!

GCM Says:

January 14th, 2008, 4:18 am

I echo Marley’s thoughts. Who said Monday morning posts need to be inspirational and goal setting etc etc. This post made my day! Thanks Leo.

Vince Says:

January 14th, 2008, 4:43 am

What a lovely article.

Mak Says:

January 14th, 2008, 7:56 am

Sweet! Thanks for this post.

Richo Says:

January 14th, 2008, 8:04 am

thanks for sharing leo, i wasn’t going to read this because i dont have children, and wont have anytime soon, but i’m glad that i did.

Andrew Galasetti Says:

January 14th, 2008, 9:23 am

You sure do sound like a great dad! I wish I had a father like that growing up. But everything happens for a reason. Right?

-Andrew
http://www.lyved.com

Carl Manuel Says:

January 14th, 2008, 9:45 am

I totally enjoyed this post. I am new father of two beautiful girls and being a father is something that no words can describe. Thank you for sharing.

Genesis Says:

January 14th, 2008, 9:46 am

Sounds like you have as much fun with your kids as we do with ours! :D My boys are still very little, but I´m enjoying every minute. Thanks for sharing.

Hussain Says:

January 14th, 2008, 9:54 am

Wow! Thanks Leo!..another great post..enjoyed reading it all the way till the end!!..though myself is a kid to my parents :)
i’m becoming nostalgic now!!

Cheers!

Danielle Blogging for Balance Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:00 am

An awesome post about where the true joys in life are found. I love being a mom.

Caron Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:22 am

awwww.
beautiful post, leo. :)

Jeniffer Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:29 am

I’ll be 45 in February. I had my son when I was 43, my daughter when I was 37.
They are absolutely the greatest gift I could ever have received.
Thanks for sharing glimpses of your gifts.

sunsail Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:36 am

thank you for sharing, leo! Maybe one day, in the not too distant future, i’ll have my own brood.. :)

--Deb Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:41 am

So sweet! (”Next time, can you make it today?”) This is the problem with having a dog for my “child.” He’s adorable and playful and fun as anything, but he doesn’t TALK.

DJ Nelson Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:50 am

That’s so precious. I’m going to pass this post along to a few people.

Adam Miller Says:

January 14th, 2008, 10:55 am

Kids are still a few years away yet (my fiance and I are getting married this coming fall), but I just wanted to say that I loved this post.

Thanks very much for sharing, Leo!

Margi Says:

January 14th, 2008, 11:25 am

That’s very sweet. I almost cried for your daughter, too!

Ray Says:

January 14th, 2008, 12:30 pm

Long time reader, first time poster.

Just wanted to add that it’s posts like this that make Zen Habits the best overall blog. Thanks for sharing, Leo! I share similar experiences with my 21-month old daughter everyday.

Michael Says:

January 14th, 2008, 14:01 pm

That’s really a great story — I have goosebumps now; thanks for sharing it :)

Chris Says:

January 14th, 2008, 15:15 pm

Thanks for sharing.
Got a cute story about my 2yr old daughter…
I’m driving her to daycare and my boss lives in my subdivision. So when we drive past his house I pointed and said “That’s where daddy’s boss lives”.

She turns her head to look and says “Mommy?”

Leo Says:

January 14th, 2008, 15:30 pm

I just wrote this post as a last-minute impulse, because I felt like it … and this response from you guys has been way better than I expected.

I’m so glad you guys liked this post! It was one of the most fun and gratifying posts to write, so having it touch you in some way is wonderful to me. :)

Thanks for the feedback my friends!

@Chris: lol! Excellent story. :)

Neo Says:

January 14th, 2008, 16:52 pm

@ Chris: You made me lmao in the middle of a lecture…=p

Great post Leo, I actually had to get out of my feed reader to leave a comment!

Thanks

Xtine Says:

January 14th, 2008, 16:53 pm

I don’t know if I want kids in the future, but reading this totally made me smile.

”Next time, can you make it today?” –> Awesome.

You sound like an awesome dad, Leo. Thanks for an amazing article.

Victor V Says:

January 14th, 2008, 16:54 pm

Yeah, thanks for sharing your “fatherhood” with your fellow readers. I felt such joy and relaxation while reading it, I can’t explain o.o

Haha, very nice story @Chris.

Marylin Says:

January 14th, 2008, 16:58 pm

what a wonderful post :) How on earth do you find the time to write all the great advice hear with all those kids?? I have two and I can barely find time lol

KCCC Says:

January 14th, 2008, 17:13 pm

Fun post - thanks for sharing.

It’s hard to explain the joys of having kids, especially when there are real stresses too. I remember when I was expecting. Some people would warn me that I’d never have any sleep/time/money/privacy/sex/energy again. Others would just smile and say “you’re going to have so much fun!” (And yeah, I have less sleep/time/money… but it’s worth it. And I am having SO much fun!)

Thanks for a post that captures some of the best moments.

Wendy Says:

January 14th, 2008, 17:14 pm

It’s so great when you can spend a day really listening to them, don’t you think? Kids are great. My favorite one is “OK but next time? Can you make it today?”

Zak Says:

January 14th, 2008, 17:55 pm

Thank you so much for this post. I love all of your articles, but this was a great little change of pace to show us just how to live this simplicity and joy in our own lives. I can’t wait to experience fatherhood and these little joys you described. This post is truly a pleasure.

michael Says:

January 14th, 2008, 18:34 pm

Thanks for the frank post.

I have three wonderful kids who help me get through life with a smile.

When my eldest was three or maybe four she came out with a question which I still haven’t been able to answer……

“Dad, where was I when mummy was in granny’s tummy?”

Anyone care to help????????

Karthik Bangalore India Says:

January 14th, 2008, 18:52 pm

Very touching post. As a family with 2 growing up children(15,12) my mind went back a decade of all the nostalgic conversations, the children did so are tantrums etc, etc.

Wonder, why we grow so fast!!.
Karthik.

grace Says:

January 14th, 2008, 19:10 pm

Thanks for the smile!

Ali Says:

January 14th, 2008, 21:18 pm

Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your family life, Leo! It’s awesome to come across such a positive story. We have a few kids, too. Although our budget is pretty tight, our hearts are rich with the smiles/laughs and memories our children give us. Wouldn’t trade it for the world!

ScottyDoo Says:

January 14th, 2008, 21:43 pm

Ahh, the joys of parenthood. My son is 2 1/2 and I really wish I had documented more of the experiences as he’s grown up. It doesn’t last long.

Lexi Says:

January 14th, 2008, 23:21 pm

thanks for sharing this! i don’t read enough about families among the “top” bloggers. would also love to hear from eva about how she uses ztd as a stay-at-home mom. could she guest-write something?

Lexi Says:

January 14th, 2008, 23:22 pm

btw if it’s not too personal, i would also like to read more about your experiences with having 6 kids. dh and i get a lot of flak for having 3 — like it’s some kind of social sin or something. aaargh!

Yair Says:

January 15th, 2008, 0:32 am

I never realized before that you have six kids. I think that is wonderful. I think that every child is a unique blessing, and large families are great. Kudos to you, and I am glad to know that you are father to more people than I had realized, hopefully they will spread even more good in the world.

erin Says:

January 15th, 2008, 1:53 am

I wonder if Chloe would like Rock and Roll Camp for Girls? It is a week long camp held in Portland, OR. Our friend’s sixteen year old daughter did it last summer and her band, Won Ton Destruction ended up on the Today show! Might be right up Chloe’s alley.

Khurt Williams Says:

January 15th, 2008, 8:10 am

My son Shaan to his mother.

“Mama, How much money do we need so that Papa doesn’t have to go work anymore so that he can stay home and play with me.”

Craig Says:

January 15th, 2008, 12:48 pm

Hey Leo, the “real” photos of you are so much more personal than the slick stock images you usually use on this blog. Thanks for sharing yourself in images just like you always do in writing.

Craig Says:

January 15th, 2008, 14:10 pm

Leo,

I must echo your sentiment - I love being a dad too. I would have to say that it is my greatest honor in this life - everything else really pales in comparison. I have three daughters under the age of 5 and being a Internet Business owner working from home affords me the flexibilty and freedom to spend a lot of time with them. I sometimes would like to freeze this time so that they don’t grow up too darn quick! Anyways, great post!

K Stone Says:

January 15th, 2008, 16:21 pm

I love being a parent too. What a nice post. It was almost like watching a mini movie.

Kids may be a lot of work and expense (not too much), but what they give back in love and more love and fun is so great it can’t be measured!

DT Says:

January 15th, 2008, 19:36 pm

Hi Leo,

That is just a wonderful run down of your adventures. You also have my admiration of having six kids. I myself have a 2.5 year old toddler that is wreaking havoc in the home. Sometimes I worry how I can handle it if I have more kids.

Thanks for giving me faith and going debt free to boot!

Warm Regards
dt

Sonia Simone Says:

January 15th, 2008, 23:55 pm

Such a sweet, lovely post. I have one son, 2 1/2, and he is really my treasure. I’ve been reading Maria Montessori lately, about how kids form themselves and how awesome that is. I think kids are really pretty wonderful.

Sondra Santos LaBrie Says:

January 16th, 2008, 1:46 am

Lovely post! I included a mention of this on my blog since it made me smile - and read more than once!

Jaime J Aleman Says:

January 16th, 2008, 3:05 am

I am a damn proud Daddy to our new little girl, Isabella Hazel.
She is just 5 months old and already trying to crawl, stand and eat. It’s been a Blessing in every sense of the meaning. From the late nights (which were few) to the diaper changes.

Coping with ADHD has been bothersome, but with my Wife acting as my coach, we are doing just fine.

Thanks for some wonderful stories to look forward to as my daughter grows up and has siblings :)

Migo Says:

January 16th, 2008, 15:57 pm

I also loved being a dad, I always say to myself to spend more time with the kids because when they grow up they will spend less time with me.

Thanks leo for sharing this!

leigh Says:

January 18th, 2008, 6:37 am

Hi Leo

Thank you for allowing us into your life….i loved your story we went to a very expensive water park here in Australia last weekend and we too had lots of laughs …..of course my partner & i would have preferred the beach but it was worth every fly, sunburn and loose change left to see the pure joy on our kids faces !
Leo I would like to read more about your experiences of being a dad :)

JCH Says:

January 18th, 2008, 9:35 am

‘I love being a dad!’

That just says it all. Thank you for sharing your stories. One of my favourites is when my daughter having gone through everyone she knows saying, “…and Granny is my peach, and Granpa is my sweetheart and Daddy is my star and …’ finally turned to me and said, ” and you Mummy, you are my diamond in the rough!” LOL

Mika Says:

January 18th, 2008, 12:32 pm

I cried a little.

I wish my dad was more present.

Or maybe I should be the present one.

Suzanne Says:

January 20th, 2008, 1:30 am

What and inspirational and beautiful tale. Children are the purest souls on the planet. Their stories are captivating and surreal. They should all lead us so brilliantly and without effort. You’re a wonderful father to share these gems and to be so mindful about raising your children with appreciation.

chloe Says:

January 20th, 2008, 17:21 pm

Hi dad!
I woke up early so I thought I’d read your blog today. Haha
I like this post the best but maybe you should’ve said something about Eva too. Idk

See you when I come out! Hahaha

Love, Chloe

Debbie Says:

January 20th, 2008, 18:37 pm

Pssst, buy Maia some platform or wedged shoes for her next visit.

Sudhi Says:

January 21st, 2008, 13:56 pm

This is a good post. I am also trying to improve on my “Dad” skills!

Guillaume A. Says:

January 21st, 2008, 21:16 pm

Just stumbled across your blog, and I’m really enjoying it.

Personally, I work in summer camps often, and I just love it. Being in contact with kids is definitely one of the most enriching experience one can have.

Greetings from France :)

Bernd Says:

January 22nd, 2008, 7:51 am

Really nice article, Leo.
I’ve been a father now for 24 months and our little daughter is a true sunshine ! It still drives tears of happiness in my eyes when she just begins to laugh :)

Greetinx from Germany,
Bernd

Alex Says:

January 28th, 2008, 10:05 am

Sorry, but I think I’m going to puke…………….

Sherine Says:

February 13th, 2008, 4:28 am

You sound like a great dad. And a dad of 6? God, I cant imagine that. With 2 I get exhausted. Your wife must be one brilliant mom. Happy for you two. Good luck.

Ron Says:

February 14th, 2008, 19:46 pm

Leo, you love being a dad? So do I. However, just when I thought there could be nothing better, I had granddaughters.

Jonathan Rhoads Says:

April 24th, 2008, 0:20 am

Hey Leo -

Your attitude aboutyour kids is really encouraging. I have four myself, and sometimes it seems like I’m the only one with kids in the world.

I hate to use your site to plug a product, but I was worried about my kids using the internet, and so I developed a very simple product that filters the internet for them. I’d appreciate your comments. The site is http://www.surfwithconfidence.com.

God bless!

Jonathan