The Summer is officially here for my family! Yesterday was the last day of school and as my youngest son said, “It’s time for The Summer of Dad!”

If you followed my social media last summer, then you may be familiar with The Summer of Dad. Last spring marked the close of a long and difficult chapter and the beginning of some new transitions for me and my family. It was a busy season, and our summer calendar was filling up fast. I knew there would be no way to get everything done and make the connections with my sons that I wanted to. The previous ten summers were devoted to my business. That is not the way I wanted it, but my business demanded everything I had in the hot summer months.

I did pipeline construction work and If I wasn’t working, then I wasn’t making money. Where I live, the summers are hot and humid. They take everything out of you, physically and mentally. Especially when you are out in them day in and day out. Your body moves slower to not overheat. Therefore the workdays become much longer. Most of our days were sunup to sundown. If I wasn’t working on the weekend, then I was resting and preparing for the next grueling week. I rarely looked forward to vacationing because I was too exhausted. And, I knew that the work that I left behind would cause the next several days or weeks to be even worse.

This is why last summer, the first summer after transitioning from my company, was so important to me. I was excited to have a summer where I could focus on my family. But, as summer was approaching, things started to get hectic. Some of them were good things, but others were not. A few from the long list were my wife having a major surgery and then her landing and starting a great new job. My son had a car accident, and then multiple visits to the emergency room (unrelated to the car accident). You can read more about these in my upcoming book (coming soon).

I was not going to allow these unexpected things to take control of our summer. I knew that in order to make the connections with my family that I desired, I was going to have to be very intentional. In late spring, I formed a plan. I called it The Summer of Dad.

For several weeks I prepared for The Summer of Dad by writing out how I wanted to connect with my boys. I developed systems that would allow me to stay accountable. I developed what I now call The 6 Zones of Connection. These would be the six areas that I would focus on to make intentional connections with my sons. I believe that all fathers should strive to connect with their kids in these six areas. Here are the six zones.

The 6 Zones of Connection

  • SPEAK: to connect through an intentional time of talking and listening.
  • DEVELOP: to connect through guidance, coaching, and supporting a skill or interest.
  • DISCIPLINE: to connect through developing daily habits of discipline.
  • HEALTH: to connect through the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits.
  • WORK: to connect through working toward and accomplishing something of value.
  • PLAY: to connect through rest, laughter, adventure, or just having fun.

Each day, I planned an activity or what I call an “intentional time” with at least one of my boys that fell in one of these zones. I made sure that I covered each zone each week. There are two things that I determined early on that were key in making these connections: intentionality and consistency. Being intentional was the whole purpose in developing the program, but consistency is what was going to make it a lifestyle. My boys quickly echoed my enthusiasm for The Summer of Dad, and they looked forward to their one-on-one times with me.

I decided to post my progress and pics as I went through The Summer of Dad. I was amazed at how many people were following along. Many people reached out to me to tell me that they were inspired by my posts. They too started planning intentional routines and activities with their children. Some of these men even grew the signature The Summer of Dad mustache!

I primarily focus on reaching dads who are raising sons, but I was excited that many moms reached out to me. I also heard from dads who were raising daughters. They shared with me how they were trying to incorporate the things they saw me doing. It was amazing!

The Summer of Dad Challenge

What I have learned as a result of starting Man Among Boys is that many fathers want to be better. They want a better connection with their sons. They just don’t know how.  The desire is there. These men just need a kickstart and pointed in the right direction. Thus, The Summer of Dad Challenge.

Because of the success that I experienced last summer, I began creating ways in which to inspire other fathers to do the same. I started posting daily videos on social media that I called the “Daily Man Among Boys Message.” These messages give a short lesson and conversation starter for fathers and sons. I also worked to create a way in which fathers could join me in The Summer of Dad. I decided to make it a challenge in the hopes that men would take this opportunity to jumpstart their own intentionality with their sons or daughters.

The Summer of Dad Challenge is a thirty-day challenge that focuses on the main concept that every father needs in order to create and grow a connection with his kids. Intentionality. Connecting is intentional. Not only is it intentional, but it is also your responsibility. It is not your son’s or daughter’s responsibility to create the connection. It is yours.

Stay Tuned!

I will be launching The Summer of Dad Challenge in just a few days! I am excited to put this challenge out there for all of you men. The Summer of Dad Challenge book will be hitting Amazon very soon. The book will explain in detail how the challenge works and will also serve as a workbook to help you navigate through the 30-days.

Grow the ‘stache…spend time with your kids!

Why The ’Stache!

As summer began in 2022, the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things” was premiering the much-anticipated new season. My boys and I are big fans. Our good friends asked if we wanted to get our two families together for a “Stranger Things” party to watch the premier. Everyone dressed up in their best 80’s look. I decided to show up as the character, Jim Hopper. “Hopper” is known for his great 80’s mustache. I already had a beard, so all I needed to do was shave it leaving the mustache. I didn’t tell anyone that this was my plan. About an hour before we left, I shaved the beard. It was a hit! My boys loved it. One of my teenage sons said, “Dad, you should leave the mustache the entire summer as part of The Summer of Dad!” So I did. Thus, The Summer of Dad ‘stache!

I highly encourage you to grow The Summer of Dad ‘Stache! Although, it is not required.

Let’s Go!!!

Be looking for the announcement of when The Summer of Dad Challenge book is available! Make this the summer that you launch into a lifestyle of connecting with your kids!