Just Show UP: the superpower of consistency

Let's be real—there are days when I'd rather pretend I didn't hear that tiny voice asking for "just one more story" after an exhausting day. But here's what working from home with four stair-steppers has taught me: consistency isn't just some abstract parenting principle—it's the invisible glue holding our chaotic household together. For six years, I've had at least one baby keeping me company during Zoom calls, and through it all, I've discovered that kids don't need perfection—they need predictability.


My three-year-old son is my greatest teacher in this department. When emotions run high and tears start flowing, a simple, consistent hug works like magic medicine with zero side effects. Meanwhile, my oldest has developed what I can only describe as a supernatural ability to remember every promise I've ever made since 2019. Kids are natural-born consistency detectives, instantly spotting the slightest deviation from your usual patterns. My grandmother's words echo in my head daily: "Don't start nothing you can't finish."


So to my fellow dads in the trenches: establish those bedtime routines, show up for Saturday morning pancakes, and be the same person in discipline and celebration. The beautiful secret is that consistency doesn't just benefit them—it carves out sanity-saving space for yourself too. When everyone knows what to expect, when boundaries are clear and respected, you'll find those precious moments of peace amid the beautiful chaos of fatherhood. No cape required—just show up the same way, day after day, and watch how that simple act becomes your superpower. You can read more about Consistency in my book Fatherhood: the shortened story.