A-Game Parenting

I was having a conversation a while back over e-mail with a very good friend who, like me, has two children under 5 years old.  Unlike me, he also has a daughter in 6th grade from his wife's previous marriage.  We were discussing how hard it is to be good dads and he made the statement, "It seems like I need to have my A-game every day."  The statement has stuck with me since.  I have adopted it as a mantra and something I go back to when I am having my doubts.  I remind myself how important it is to my family as a whole to bring my A-game every day.  Since this conversation, I feel like I mostly have had A days, with a few B's and an occasional C thrown in.  It is vital to the success of my family and my marriage that I give it my best effort every day.  This doesn't mean in a false enthusiasm in a "rah rah" sense, but a genuine, clear-thinking, caring, family-first m.o.  I continuously go back to the words of others who tell me how fast the time goes and I refuse to blink and have the game be over without having given it my all.  There is one thing I've found that is the #1 absolute most important A-game ingredient.  Without it, it is very difficult to have the focus necessary for the challenges each day presents.  It's so simple, yet so effective.  A good night's sleep.  7-8 hours, and bam, you can do anything!  Some of the greatest minds of our time were voracious sleepers.  Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain all sung the praises of sleep and naps.  So dad, turn off Sportscenter and get your highlights on your drive to work in the morning and go to bed!  Give it a week and you will see a huge difference in your mood, energy and efficiency.