How it got there, you’re not exactly sure. It’s probably been there for generations. It’s certainly been there for certain genders for a very long time. Maybe you have trouble even acknowledging its existence. What are you talking about? I’m not closed-off.

Yes, you are!

There is a wall between you and your feelings. A wall between you and your family. It’s a wall that keeps you from fully opening up, from fully speaking up, from fully embracing this joyous, wonderful thing called love, called parenting.

It’s time for it to come down. It’s time for you to be more affectionate. It’s time for you to connect. It’s time for you to let them in. It’s time for you to understand that this wall isn’t protecting you—on the contrary, it’s constraining you. It is a prison. And worse, it’s keeping *them–your kids–*out.

Tear it down. Whatever it takes, whatever you have to do. You’re not meant to be closed off from the people who mean the most to you.

P.S. If you want to work on being the best parent you can be, you need more than good intentions. You need a practice. The Daily Dad Five Year Reflection Journal can help you build one.

Five minutes a day to read, reflect, reset, and show up better tomorrow. Watch as your daily practice informs your actions, gradually closing the gap between the parent you are and the parent you aspire to be—one who acts with more intention, patience, and wisdom.

Begin today. Keep the practice, and let it keep you.

Get your Daily Dad Five Year Reflection Journal.