The dad behind the scenes

Exactly where parents should aim to be.

The dad behind the scenes

The dad behind the scenes 1024 768 Looking out Loud

This is a Daily Moment—short perspectives on life and times through a dad’s eye.


When I dropped my youngest off at basketball practice this evening, he handed me his hat and coat and said, “Here you go, sir.”

“Who do you think I am?” I asked

“Oh, you’re just the guy behind the scenes,” he said with a smile.

I thought about that for a sec. And then I figured that’s not such a bad place for a dad to be.

When your kids are younger, you are very much on the front lines. Waking up to soothe tears, introducing foods that will get spit out, and holding their hands as they navigate every new situation.

But as your kids get older, you’re supposed to scoot towards the back. To let them take the lead. To let them explore and get lost and find their way.

So for now, I’m happy being the dad behind the scenes. It means he’s growing up. And even though I’m being pushed backstage, at least he still invites me the show.



Enjoy this? Share it with someone else who will too:


← Back up for a Moment


Want ocassional reminders? Get a monthly-ish roundup of reflections and lessons on life and little people straight to your inbox: