Take time to honor your fatherhood commitment

As we close 2025 and open 2026, let us pause with reflections on these words: resolutions, commitments, promises.

While well meaning, many resolutions tend to be only expressions of interest, almost off the cuff, fleeting wishes to do or be something. Resolutions often fade quickly as obstacles arise.

Commitments, on the other hand, are borne of deep desires and earnestness. Commitments have not only the fuel, fire and motivation needed to do or be something, but also the determination to persevere despite inconveniences, challenges and even setbacks.

The chapters in 2025 with all their pages are officially closed, and now a couple weeks into 2026, we begin to write new pages.

Reflections: Did I meet my goals last year? Was I a good parent? Was I a good spouse/partner? Did I keep my commitments/promises to my family?

It’s not too late. To become an intentional father or father figure, take time to become involved in your children’s lives. Start small, set realistic commitments and follow through with them. Always write your children’s appointments and activities in ink on your calendar, in your planner, in red font and on your phone calendars and let that be the last item you cancel.

Children and family equate time as love. Quality time doesn’t require spending large amounts of money. Quality time is being a present father who listens, encourages, teaches, coaches and disciplines his children.

Take time to make time and honor that commitment.

This column was written by William Johnson, a member of the Coshocton County Father Initiative.