What do we all ask our kids when they come home from school? How was your day? I cannot take credit for this, but say in online and loved it! Really made me think. Does a generic question really help he show my kids I care or help me grow a closer relationship with them? Have a read of the attached questions. Like I said they are not mine so no credit to me, but great example of how we could have more meaningful questions for our kids.

Good afternoon gents. As many of you in this group know, my daughter just finished her freshman of college at Texas A&M. I was sitting down talking to her the other day and she was just telling me how so many of the girls at college dress and act when they go out to party’s or even sporting events. You know what I’m talking about, skimpy cloths, etc which I know are considered “acceptable” in today’s society and social media tells you it’s OK! I will say I am very fortunate that she is not bought into this acceptable standard! As dads, this is just one of the difficult challenges we face today teaching our daughters that this is NOT the norm! There are so many things or distractions in the world today that everywhere we look, a magazine, TV commercial, movie, or a popular public figure is telling our youth that certain things are normal and acceptable. This has always been one the most important things to try and tackle as a dad. My point is, as Brian has said many times, remain encouraged as us dads can fight this and teach our kids what should actually be acceptable today. That they don’t have to follow the “norm” when they know it’s not right. To have more respect for themselves.

Team... I’m moved by the courageous arrival taken by one of our members in Pakistan today. This was a bold step, and it reminds us that our group thrives when we each dare to be seen. Isn't this the example we strive to set for our own children....that they too have the courage to step forward and be seen, even when they know they may not have all the answers? My invitation to each of you this coming week: What courageous stand will you take—no matter how small? Let’s keep working together to share the courage to improve the narrative of our own influence.

I sat this morning on my back porch writing bullet point answers to this question: "What are the things I do, or don't do, helpful and not helpful, because they were modeled, or never modeled, for me?" It's much easier, and really helpful, to pick out the things I know I should be doing but rarely saw, or heard, growing up. For example, saying "I love you," physical affection, reading books, or talking about emotional things, was never really shared, or done, growing up. I know my own family needs these things, so I want to be really intentional about gaining the courage to do them. I don't bring these things up to try and describe how people in my history could have done better...They did the best they knew how, and I will always be grateful for them. The purpose of this exercise stems from what I feel is my deep and personal responsibility to identify the things I need, and want, to do for them. Are there things you know you should be doing for your own family but were never modeled in your own history?

He was a rare breed of human kind. One of my high school teachers and coaches played a vital role in how I view the world. It wasn’t just 1 thing he said or did over the course of 6 years, but rather, the consistency of his approach. In short, he believed in me. Every day, every practice, every class…he was always “showing up,” positive, full of encouragement and convincing me, like everyone else, I had value that needed to shared. Never cynical, negative or bringing “off” humor to the table that may have made me work to understand the meaning…he was always clear, positive and encouraging. In the last month, I’ve had individual conversations with many of you. During those conversations, I’ve noticed something important. A few of you contribute consistently. Some share with hesitation. And many are still waiting for the “right time” to say the “right thing.” Some of you have shared this with me, directly. My encouragement today is simple: There will never be a more “right time.” You have value to add. Somewhere along the way, many of us were conditioned to believe: “If I’m not an expert…” “If I don’t have all the answers…” “If I can’t say it perfectly…” “If I don’t have enough experience…” “If my story doesn’t feel unique enough..." ...then maybe I should just stay quiet. (Could our kids may be saying the same things to themselves?) Here’s the brutal realization: If you don’t share your experiences, the rest of us lose the opportunity to learn from them and you. We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for honesty. This group was never designed to impress people. It was designed to help people. This should feel safe, meaningful, encouraging, and valuable. And the moment unhealthy judgment toward another member enters, it will be addressed immediately. We need your thoughts. We need your questions. We need your experiences. No one here (anywhere) has all the answers. But together…our families will benefit. So this week, share something...anything. Let's set an example for our own kids.