10 Things You Should Try and Tackle at Your Second Shift
When many fathers come home, they throw their briefcase across the living room, plop down on the sofa, click on the TV, and grunt until it’s dinnertime. Then, after the meal, it’s back to the recliner. Their mentality is that they have worked a long day, provided financially for their family, and now it’s “me time.”
But All Pro Dads understand when they come home, it’s their second shift. There is a wife he must converse with, children who need help brushing up their algebra or fastball, and dishes that must be cleared and cleaned after dinner. His “me time” is after everyone goes to bed. It makes days long and hard, but also meaningful. He lives for principles much bigger than himself. So if you do not already, work your second shift well know that your family’s well-being depends on it.
Here are 10 things you should try and tackle at your second shift:
1. Be Kind
It was not the best day at work. The drive home was brutal. Your tolerance level is depleted. Take a deep breath before you enter your home and remind yourself that none of it was the fault of your family inside. Servant leadership is the sacrifice of yourself for the betterment of those you are leading. Be kind and warm and begin anew. Your family will appreciate and reciprocate your example.
2. In The Kitchen
Some men enjoy cooking and see it as an art. Other men do not. Either way is fine. If you are helping create family meals, you are providing a great service to your wife. If cooking isn’t your thing, consider doing the clean-up instead. Those dishes do not make it to the dishwasher by themselves.
3. Household Chores
Parents and children alike should be involved in all that it takes to keep a household running smoothly. Your children have their assigned tasks and most likely receive an allowance. Is your wife responsible for everything else or should you share responsibility? The amount of tedious tasks required to keep a house clean and safe add up in a hurry. Grab a vacuum or a mop and get in there to help.
4. The Runner
Your son needs a poster board for his project due tomorrow. Your wife doesn’t have enough butter for the potatoes. The “runner” is the husband who offers to go out for those needed things in a pinch. The last thing you want to do is get back in the car, but a leader steps up when called on.
5. Stress Reducer
She has been with the kids all day. You can see in her face and eyes that she badly needs a break. Take the kids out for ice cream with Dad. Take them to the park or even just a walk. Give her a moment to recharge and collect her thoughts.
6. The Handy Man
Every home has a long list of tasks needing to be addressed. The toilet is leaking. The stair rail is loose. Your home needs to be managed and maintained, and you need to step up. On the plus side, few things excite a wife more than the sight of her husband “fixing” things. This could provide “great benefit” after quitting time.
7. Respectful
Your wife is deserving of respect just like you. She puts forth a high level of energy to help the life of your family run smoothly. Compliment her and praise her. It takes constant effort to establish and maintain trust and mutual admiration in a relationship. Take the lead in this area.
8. Affection
Your wife needed that passionate kiss stolen in the laundry room more than you’ll ever realize. Your daughter needs you to hug her so tight she feels like nothing in the world could ever harm her. Affection comes difficult for some men. Try stepping outside of your comfort zone and physically display to your family just how much you really love them. If you are a single parent, this is even more important. You have to love enough for two.
9. Sorry Guys
A man should have friends and a social life. It is healthy to play a round of golf with the boys or go watch the game. Whatever your interests may be, it’s good to have an outlet. However it’s very important for the good health of your entire family that you limit those interests in a reasonable manner. “Sorry guys, but I can’t,” should not be something you are afraid to say to your buddies. Family first.
10. Worship
As men, we are merely the caretakers of God’s creation. We are to set the example of humility and thanks for the grace we receive. Lead your family in worship during your second shift. Lead your family on the path to truth and everlasting life.(All Pro Dad)
This is a great website for dads. I would include; dads need to come home from their job first. Your family needs you to be employed & responsible for their well-being and that often means you’re #4.