Throughout the 50 years of life, I’ve had seasons where I was building multiple companies at once, flying cross-country for events, working 16-hour days, and still trying to be a present father.

Now I’ve made a lot of mistakes in business… 

But none sting more than the moments I almost missed with my kids.

Make no mistake…

Being a dad while building several businesses is hard.

There’s always another text to answer.

Another fire to put out.

Another opportunity you “can’t afford to miss.”

But I share this with you because over the years of raising my kids, I’ve learned a powerful truth:

Your kids don’t want more of your time.

They want more of your presence.

They need you to be fully there when it counts.

I’ve been intentional about that.

Working out with my son in the evenings.

Showing up to every one of my daughter’s volleyball games.

Blocking off time for family trips and unplugged weekends.

You see, your kids won’t remember how many hours you worked.

They won’t remember how many emails you sent.

But they will remember the moments you made them feel seen, supported, and safe.

Your kids won’t remember how much you spent on the Christmas gifts you got them or how expensive the family vacations were.

Instead, they’ll remember how you spent time playing with them on Christmas mornings or how you built sandcastles with them at the local beach.

So this is your reminder:

You don’t need to spend more time.

You just need to show up fully present, especially when it matters most.

Because years from now, your kids won’t talk about how “busy” you were.

They’ll talk about the kind of father you were.

And they’ll remember the moments that mattered most.

Talk soon,

Bedros Keuilian

P.S. Hopefully this is a gentle nudge to take 10 minutes today to be fully present with your kid(s) today. 

P.P.S. If you’re a father looking to create core memories and strengthen the bond with your son, check out the Squire Program.