I’ll be honest, some of my favourite moments with my daughter happen when we’re curled up in bed, playing silly games like Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja on my phone.
And on those long workdays, nothing beats a quick video chat to check in and see her smile. I know when she’s older, we’ll probably be texting and sending each other goofy messages all the time.
Being a dad today isn’t always easy. Life moves fast, and between work and everything else, it can be tough to give your best energy to your family. I work hard to support us, but sometimes that means missing out on those little moments I don’t want to miss.
I hear from a lot of other dads, and even from kids and teens, that what matters most is just being there. But sometimes work gets in the way.
That’s where technology has been a real lifesaver for me. It helps me stay connected, even when I can’t be there in person.
Of course, there are times when I catch myself getting sucked into scrolling or playing one too many games. That’s when I put down the phone, grab a Frisbee, or dust off a board game so we can hang out the old-school way.
For dads like us, technology can be a pretty awesome tool. It helps us stay close, share memories, and make family time count, even when life gets busy.
So, here’s how I use tech to be the best dad I can be.
Texting might seem like the classic way to nag your kids about homework or chores, but it’s way more than that. Most teenagers live on texts, and as a dad, you can use this to your advantage, not just to keep tabs, but to send little reminders that you care.
I’ve learned that if you aim for about seven positive messages for every one “lecture,” your relationship gets a lot stronger.
For younger kids, texting through your partner can be a sweet way to surprise them. I remember how special it felt to get a letter from my grandma, and honestly, a quick text from Dad can mean just as much. It’s a simple way to keep that positive connection going.
Facebook is a mixed bag when it comes to family, but it’s packed with ways to stay connected, sharing photos, updates, or quick messages.
I get that some kids and teens don’t want their parents as “friends,” and that’s okay. The trick is to respect their space while still being there.
If you’re lucky enough to be Facebook friends with your kids, it’s a great way to keep the bond alive without making them cringe.
I’ve seen some really sweet dad-daughter interactions online, jokes, hugs, and just everyday life shared in a way that’s pretty heartwarming.
Video chat was once just a sci-fi dream, but now it’s part of everyday life, and it’s a game-changer for dads who want to stay close. Whether you’re a dad travelling for work, a military dad far from home, or a parent with kids off at college, video calls can bring you right into their world.
I’ve seen families use video chat for bedtime stories, opening presents with grandparents miles away, or even catching up during a lunch break with a therapist.
The possibilities are endless, and it’s one of the best tools for staying connected when you can’t be there in person.
Playing video games with your kids isn’t just about screen time; it’s a real chance to bond and meet them where they’re at. Gaming these days is kind of like tossing a ball around in the backyard. Sure, some games aren’t the best, but if you join in and show interest in what your kid loves, it can make a huge difference.
Teaming up for a round of Mario Kart, playing a word game together, or even going head-to-head in something silly, it all counts as quality time. If your kid is away at college, you can still jump into online games together and chat while you play.
Even if video games aren’t your thing, just giving it a try shows your kids you care about their world, and they’ll notice.
Tech isn’t just for connecting with your kids; it’s also a lifesaver for dads looking to up their parenting game. There are loads of online groups and resources out there, even if they’re a little harder to find for dads than for moms.
Reaching out to other dads online can give you fresh ideas, a place to vent, and a reminder that you’re not the only one figuring all this out.
One of my favourite ways to feel close to family is sharing photos. There’s something about seeing a new picture of my daughter pop up during the day that just makes everything better. Facebook, Instagram, or a quick text, sharing those little moments helps everyone feel connected, even if you’re far apart.
Some folks get really creative with this, like the dad who set up a Facebook profile just to collect and tag photos for his son.
You don’t have to go that far, but using photo sharing as a sort of digital scrapbook is a fun way to keep memories alive. Plus, it gives your kids something special to look back on as they grow up.
Sometimes you want to keep things a little more private than a Facebook post or group chat. That’s where email comes in. It might not be the fanciest tech out there, but it’s still a solid way to send thoughtful notes or encouragement to your family. I like to think of email as the new handwritten letter, just a quick way to let my daughter know I’m thinking of her, or to share something special that’s just between us.
If you’re co-parenting, technology can really help take some stress out of the day-to-day. Texts and emails make it easier to communicate (and keep a record if you need it), and shared online calendars like Google Calendar are a lifesaver for keeping everyone on the same page with schedules. Co-parenting isn’t always easy, but a few tech tools can make it a whole lot smoother for everyone involved, especially the kids.
Dads are usually the ones hunting for deals and planning the next big family adventure. The internet makes it so much easier to find fun stuff to do together, whether it’s grabbing a Groupon for the zoo, researching a new camping spot, or tracking down the perfect birthday gift on Amazon. You can even shoot out a family email to announce your plans, instant excitement!
If you’re looking to up your dad game, there’s a podcast for that. I love listening to parenting podcasts on my way to work or while I’m getting stuff done around the house.
There’s so much good advice out there, and the best part is, just the act of wanting to learn and improve makes you a better parent.
Pop in your earbuds, search up “Dad podcasts,” and see what you find. There’s always something new to try.
At the end of the day, technology isn’t about keeping us apart; it’s about bringing us closer together. Plus, it gives us an excuse to play with more gadgets, and who doesn’t love that?
Tech isn’t just for work or play; it’s a dad’s secret weapon for staying close with your kids, planning fun, and making family life smoother. From texting and gaming to sharing photos and listening to podcasts, there are endless ways to use technology to be an even more awesome dad.
Honestly, being a dad today means juggling a lot, but tech makes it way easier to stay connected and keep things fun. Sending a quick text to my daughter, planning our next family adventure online, or just sharing a goofy photo, it’s all about building those little moments that matter.
And hey, don’t forget, there are tons of other dads out there figuring this stuff out, too.
If you liked these tips or want more ideas on parenting, family life, and all things dad, come hang out with me over at AustinPlease.com. There’s always something new to try, and I’d love to hear what works for you!
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