Tony Dungy Asks Dads: What Do You Do to Show Your Kids They are Valuable?
By Tony Dungy
Kids’ minds are very complex, especially as they’re growing up. One of the biggest questions they have is about what they’re worth. They are going to start to answer that question in their closest relationships, based on how their loved ones treat them. And that starts with their families. Do my parents love me? Do my parents care about me? Does my family think I’m important?
As dads, building self-esteem in children is important. There are things we can do to show our kids their value. Here are some of those things.
Tell them.
Let them know everyday what their worth is. Tell them: We love you. You’re important. You’re awesome and we love having you in our family. However you want to say it, say it. Just make sure you do say it, every day.
Spend time with them.
After you tell them, you have to go one step further. You have to show them that they have worth. You do that by spending time with them. Put your phone down, ask them questions, and listen to what they have to say. If you want your kids to have a positive self-worth, you have to tell them and show them.
Sound off: Why do you think building self esteem in children is so important? What do you do to show your kids they are valuable?
Huddle Up Question
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is your favorite thing about yourself?”
The above Thinke faith content originally published at All Pro Dad.
Tony Dungy says that being a father is his most important job, and with eleven children, it’s a job that keeps him very busy. Since his retirement from the NFL in 2009, Coach Dungy has served as an analyst on NBC's Football Night in America and enjoys time with his wife, Lauren and family at their home in Tampa. Coach Dungy’s fatherhood role model is his own dad, Wilber Dungy.
Tony grew up in Michigan, and says his father was always there to support him and encourage him. From him, Tony says, he learned that being a good father takes commitment and compassion. — All Pro Dad