As a parent, we carry a big responsibility—to raise our kids right.
To be honest, I’m still figuring it out. Maybe parenting isn’t something you master in a year or two. Maybe it’s a lifelong process of doing your best, learning as you go, and praying you don’t mess it up too badly.
Before I had kids, life was simple. Even with a disability, things were flexible. I didn’t need much. I’ve always been kind of a minimalist—content with the basics. But everything changed the moment I became a parent. Suddenly, I wanted to provide. Provide a good home. A good education. A good life. Hopefully you can relate.
There’s no clear manual for life after kids. Sure, there are endless parenting books, podcasts, and “expert” tips—but none of them truly prepare you. Sometimes I find myself looking back at old family sitcoms for inspiration—Full House, Family Matters—you know, the classics. Sprinkle in some advice from the professionals, and here’s what I’ve come to believe:
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to be present.
Kids aren’t born into this world asking for the latest gadget, a five-bedroom home, or organic quinoa bowls. They just want love, comfort, and connection. It’s us parents who put the pressure on ourselves—to move to the right neighborhood, get them into the best schools, provide the “perfect” childhood.
But it’s not our kids asking for that. It’s us trying to do our best—and that’s beautiful. But let’s remember: it’s a gift to provide, not a burden. Kids are a blessing, and we have the privilege of being their guide.
At the end of the day, they just want us:
To hug them.
Celebrate their birthdays.
Read them bedtime stories.
Hold their hand when they’re scared.
Be there when they score the winning goal (or miss it entirely).
Kids are simple. It’s us adults who complicate things.
Sure, they talk back. They make messes. They sometimes make you want to pull your hair out—but hey, that’s another blog post for another day (maybe tomorrow).
Today, I just want to reflect on the parent-child connection.
Danny Tanner and Carl Winslow weren’t perfect dads, but they showed up. They were present. And that mattered. It mattered so much that even the neighbor kids—Kimmy Gibbler and Steve Urkel—wanted to hang out at their houses. That’s the power of presence.
I’m not pretending I’ve got this all figured out. But I know one thing for sure: I can’t win the game of parenthood if I’m not even on the court.
So, for every tired parent out there reading this: stay on the court. Show up, even when you’re not sure how to play the next move. Be the best version of yourself in the moment—not trapped in the past or worried about the future. Just here. Now. Present.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.
Blind Can You Can 