GRATITUDE

School is out, summer is near, and Father’s Day is right around the corner.

The reality for many of us dads is that we care deeply—but often don’t know how to acknowledge the emotions of those in our family. We spend so much of our time in “fix-it” mode or in the “provider” mindset that we forget: our family’s feelings are just as important as providing or solving.

Now that I’m a father of two, I find myself in that rhythm—constantly working, providing, and handling all kinds of challenges. When my wife comes to me with a feeling, I don’t always greet it with my ears. Instead, I reach for a solution. A response. An action.

But lately, the lesson arriving at my door is this: first, acknowledge what I’m hearing. Validate the feeling, the emotion, the reality being expressed. That moment of presence means everything.

I’m also learning not to take things personally. A feeling is not an accusation. It exists in its own right. When I take it on as mine, I cross into codependency. And from that space, I rob my family of the person they actually need. They need me to listen. To be present. Not to fix or do. Just to be.

GRATITUDE

Gratitude interrupts codependency.
It reminds us we haven’t done anything wrong just because someone is feeling something.
It frees us from the impulse to own or manage someone else’s emotional landscape.
It gives us the space to breathe—and simply appreciate that we have someone who trusts us enough to share.

This Father’s Day, join me in practicing gratitude.
Take a moment to slow down. To be thankful for the people who turn to us.
To feel blessed that we get to listen.

Happy Father’s Day,

Matthew Schildkret
Founder, Creator, & Humble Guide
Late Sunday Afternoon