The author Jeff Zaslow, a good friend of mine who died in an auto accident two years ago, put work/life balance into action by being one of the best parents I have ever known. His daughter, Alexandra Zaslow, is following in his footsteps (and those of her mother, Sherry Margolis of Fox News Detroit), by writing for the Huffington Post. She recently posted a tribute to Jeff that illustrates how focusing on fatherhood, powerfully impacts a child.
As you read some of the quotes below from Alex’s article, consider what you can do to be a “super” father or mother (or aunt, uncle etc.):
“I wasn’t kidding when I told you he had incredible Super Dad powers! He raised three daughters, was a hopelessly devoted husband and had a kick-ass career.”
“Just by watching the way he treated my mom, he taught my sisters and me how to love.”
“In case you thought being Super Dad wasn’t enough, he also had the ability to make everyone he came into contact with feel special.”
“His voice is constantly woven into my thoughts, telling me to be the nicest I can possibly be”
“He didn’t compliment us too much to the point where we would get cocky. He did it in just the right way — giving us the boost of confidence needed to go on and feel good about ourselves.”
“Although he hasn’t physically been with me for the past two years, he still continues to help me become the person who would make him proud. I make a daily effort to live out his legacy.”
“So thank you, Dad, for always making me feel special. You instilled valuable lessons in me, which have helped guide me through some highs and lows the past two years.
You will always be magical in my eyes.
I love you, Daddy.”
So please think hard today about whether, when your children are grown, they will think of you as a “super parent”.
Ask yourself: “Am I spending enough time with my child to have a super impact?”
Ask yourself: “When I am with my child, am I fully present for her or do I allow myself to be distracted with whatever other thing I am doing at the moment.”
Ask yourself: “Do I treat my spouse exceptionally well, especially in front of my children?”
Ask yourself: “Do I go full out to always make my child feel special?”
Ask yourself: “If tragedy strikes me today, what legacy would my children carry with them into their futures?”
Read Alexandra’s complete Huffington Post article Article here.