14 Comments
User's avatar
Judith Frizlen's avatar

"A half-ass yes might as well be no." It's actually worse than a no because it diminishes trust. I love this post and can see clearly each scene you described. Parenting with presence is the best gift a child could receive.

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

Thank you very much Judith!

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

I’m continuously reminded that most of life’s beauty can’t be forced or planned for. It comes from presence and open-mindedness."

Yeah, you can't plan the special moments. They happen when we let ourselves be there all the way.

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

❤️👊🏻

Expand full comment
Enda Harte (The Irish Stoic)'s avatar

Just catching up on this one! Great piece Kyle!

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

Thank you brother!

Expand full comment
Andres Ruiz's avatar

Incredible article @Kyle ! Your words hit me hard and made reflect on the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. Once you find it, go all in and enjoy. I loved your post a lot because it gave me motivation and inspiration to find more yeses and live life to the fullest. Great job as always!

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

Man, thank you very much brother.

Expand full comment
Baird Brightman's avatar

"With the kids, it comes from letting them lead and primarily direct whatever we are doing. Exploring the world through their eyes ..."

Best. Parenting. Advice. Ever! 👏

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

Appreciate you brother 👊🏻

Expand full comment
Erin Miller's avatar

There’s so much goodness in this post, but I keep coming back to that one small moment—your wife asking, “Would you like to share your wish?” It’s so subtle and not at all the point of the story, but it feels pivotal. No pressure, just genuine interest—and that opened the door to everything that followed. His answer, your commitment and intentionality, Sam’s favorite day… none of it happens without that gentle ask. Blessed boy, blessed kids, blessed parents—and blessed spouses, too.

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

My wife is the master of the subtle and the reason beyond all of my intentions in the parenting realm. Beautiful catch as it’s symbolic of every day and why our kids gravitate toward her first for all forms of safety. Thank you Erin

Expand full comment
Kevin Stark's avatar

Yes!

Expand full comment
Timothy Sheehan's avatar

Kyle: a well written and heartfelt post regarding the sacred time with kids that no matter whether planned, an audible, or haphazard are indelibly etched in hearts and minds. The commitment, presence, and community of a family’s time together is priceless. Well done. Tim

Expand full comment