by You might feel like your dad is just “Dad”—the one who sets the rules, pays the bills, and tells you what to do. But underneath all that, there is some part of him who is still that same kid he once was or you are today. And that’s what connects you.
Next time you see him talking or laughing, pause. Don’t just hear “Dad.” Look at the man in front of you. Notice how he stands, how he smiles, how he thinks before he speaks. Remember that he’s a person first.
When he starts telling a story about “back in my day,” lean in. Ask what games he played, what shows he watched, or what dreams he had. You’ll find there’s a lot you didn’t know—fun stories, silly mistakes, small victories.
And share a bit of your world, too. Tell him about the thing at school that’s making you laugh, the project that’s stressing you out, or that song you can’t stop humming. You’ll see that when you trade stories, you’re not giving lectures or rules—you’re building a bridge.
Respect doesn’t come just because he’s your father. It comes when you see his journey—from the kid he was to the man he is now—and you honour everything he’s learned and done. When you treat him like a person, you create a real connection. No rules, no lectures, just understanding.
That’s what makes your bond strong. Let your inner kid and his inner kid meet, and watch how your relationship changes for the better.
