Have I Learnt Anything From My Children?

A couple of days ago I was a guest on the The Real Nihal show with the school runnings segment which is broadcast on Radio 5 Live. The school runnings segment is all things parenting. It’s about a 20 minute long segment discussing a varied selection of topics that will in some way relate to children and just being a parent.

One of the topics from the other day was brought about because of an interview Nihal had done with Liam Gallagher, and in particular one question he asked him. That question was, “What have you learnt from your children?”

Liam’s response was that he hasn’t learnt anything from his children which seems quite shocking, but in fairness to Liam Gallagher he also said he didn’t think they had learnt anything from him as a dad.

This all got me thinking. What, if anything, have I learnt from my children and have they learnt anything from me? As a dad I have learnt so many lessons and have changed as a person to way beyond my wildest dreams. So for me I’m thinking as per usual Liam Gallagher is saying a flippant comment that is purely for reaction. What’s new there!

Since I have become a dad here are a few things that have changed me and I think for the better.

Selflessness

When you are either single or married without children, most of us have a selfish streak. It’s not deliberate. It is a natural way to be. You don’t have any responsibilities and you can please yourself, do what you want to do and when you want to do it.

Of course all of that changes when you become a dad because just going out and doing your own thing is simply not possible. Your selfish days are long gone, but if I’m honest that’s not a bad thing. It’s a nice feeling thinking of others.

Patience

This is something that I would openly admit I had none of before becoming a dad. However, when you become a dad, at least for me, patience is a number one priority because without it I’m sure I would have gone mad. When you have a baby to look after it’s vital to have patience because babies test it to the limit and when they become toddlers and beyond your patience will be severely tested so as the years have gone by my patience is so much better. That’s not to say I don’t lose it now and again because I’m human after all and sometimes I am just pushed too far.

Listening

This is again something that I was not very good at before becoming a dad, but it has to be the quickest lesson I learnt because listening to your child is probably the most valuable thing you can do for your child. They have a voice and opinions, and it’s important to listen to them to show them that what they have to say is also important. That it’s not only your point view that counts.

Since becoming a dad I believe I am more respectful of others. I show kindness to others and there is no doubt that becoming a dad has made me a better person. The changes so often are very subtle and you don’t always see it, but that is one of the joys of parenthood. It improves you and makes you a nicer human being.

If I have taught my children anything, I guess I should ask them this question, but if I was to say if I have taught them anything it’s to be good people, show kindness and respect to others. If they have learnt that from me then I guess I have done my job as a dad.

Have you learnt anything from your children? What have you taught them? I would love to hear in the comments below.