Reader,
This week I'm starting a 21-Day Challenge to improve my presence and impact at home. I'm looking for a few men to join me. Who's in? You can join the free challenge here.
A man's presence can shape the atmosphere of his home—for better or for worse. But between work, distractions, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to forget how much our presence—or lack of it—matters. We let urgent tasks blind us from the most important actions, and in the end, we miss opportunities to maximize our impact at home.
Introducing the"21 Days Locked In" Challenge: The Presence Project. For the next three weeks, I will take one intentional action each day to strengthen my presence, connection, and impact at home.
This challenge isn’t about perfection or doing more stuff. It's about doing the right stuff and making progress through small, intentional actions. It's about letting my family know that I'm locked in.
A different theme will be addressed every week. The challenges are designed to be accomplished in 15 minutes or less. Week 1 focuses on your presence as a father. It's time to reclaim your presence at home!
The first week of challenges are below:
Week 1: A Father's Presence
"His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of their children to their father. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse." - Malachi 4:6
The first 7 days are about showing up for your children physically, mentally, and spiritually — taking small actions to build your relationship.
Day 1 - "Daddy's proud of you."
Children hunger for their dad's affirmation and approval. They need to know that we are proud of them. Sadly, many men withhold their verbal affirmation from their children. As a result, the child ends up seeking acceptance from other places — often times the wrong places. Not this week!
- Day 1 Challenge: Pull your child aside, look them in the eye and tell them that you are proud of them — and tell them why. Try to connect your affirmation to your child's character or growth, not just their achievements.
Day 2 - "Do you like me?"
Your children may know that you love them. At times they are not sure if you like them. Discipline is necessary to keep your kids safe, but playing with your children reminds them that you enjoy being around them. Playing with your children builds friendship, boosts confidence, and improves social skills. They've seen you provide, now make your presence known through play!
- Day 2 Challenge: Join your child in their favorite activity. Spend 15 -30 minutes of uninterrupted time playing with your child doing an activity of their choice.
Day 3 - "I Apologize"
As men we all make mistakes. At times we can be too harsh with our actions or words, or neglect to see the ways our kids need us most. Don't beat yourself up — none of us are perfect, but we need to make sure that we are apologizing to our children when we make mistakes. Apologies facilitate reconciliation, builds trust, and promotes feelings of safety at home.
- Day 3 Challenge: Have you recently wronged your child in any way? If so, take responsibility and apologize to your child without making excuses or justifying your behavior.
Day 4 - Boundaries that Protect
One of a father's most important responsibilities at home is to protect his family. There is no shortage of threats to our children. Without boundaries good things like social media, entertainment, and friends can harm our children. As father's we can grow in presence by understanding the risks and setting safe boundaries for our children.
- Day 4 Challenge: Where is your child at risk? Set a boundary for them and have a conversation as to why you set this boundary.
Day 5 - Teach them a Skill
One of my fondest memories of my dad was when he taught me how to tie a tie for school. It was a great moment where he was able to pass down his knowledge and expertise, and I was able to receive his wisdom. That moment was a great point of connection for us. As men we must be intentional about pouring what we know into the next generation. Let your children know that YouTube isn't the only place they can go to learn!
- Day 5 Challenge: Teach your child a practical skill.
Day 6 - Bed Time Story/Life Lesson
Bedtimes are one of the greatest opportunities to be present with your children. Bedtime can also be an inconvenient time due to tiredness. However, locking in with your kids for 15 minutes — telling a story that encourages, inspires, or reveals truth can have impacts well beyond the current moment of fatigue. People remember stories and they remember the person who told them the story. So, let's lock in and end your child's day with peace and presence.
- Day 6 Challenge: Read a bedtime story to your children or share a life lesson you have learned with them.
Day 7 - Focus on Yourself
As the week closes, recognize that you've spent a great amount of energy focusing on being present with your family. That's fine because it is your responsibility to pour into your family — but you can't pour from an empty cup. Today, make sure you spend some time recharging.
- Day 7 Challenge: Take some time and engage in an activity that relaxes or recharges you.
Which daily challenge resonated with you and why? Please share your answer by responding to this email. I would like to hear your thoughts and appreciate any constructive feedback!
Until next time,
Andre
