What Legacy Are You Leaving?

In a world obsessed with material success and financial achievement, the quote above strikes at the heart of what truly defines wealth in the context of fatherhood.

As dads, we often get caught in the trap of measuring our success by our income, the size of our home, or the vacations we can provide. But Renkel's wisdom cuts through these superficial metrics to reveal a profound truth: true wealth in fatherhood isn't measured in dollars and cents.

Consider the father who works multiple jobs to keep food on the table but still makes time to teach his children integrity. Or the dad who can't afford expensive toys but gives his children the gift of his undivided attention. These men, perhaps "poor" by society's financial standards, are leaving their children fortunes that no market crash can diminish.

And I’d argue this is far more important than something like generational wealth.

The Components of a Rich Legacy

Below is what I try to focus on with my kids because I firmly believe that these are the things that will not only show them how much I love and value them, but will help them to find purpose and meaning in their own lives.

Values

When we live according to principles like honesty, compassion, and perseverance, we silently teach our children these same qualities. Our children don't learn their most important life lessons from lectures but from observing how we navigate life's challenges.

And as I said in my last email, your kids are always watching and modeling our behaviors.

When we choose to act with integrity rather than taking the easy way out, or when we respond with kindness instead of judgment, we're building up a moral foundation that our children will inherit.

Time

This is the currency no amount of money can buy back. The dad who sits on the floor playing with Legos, who coaches Little League despite his exhaustion, who listens attentively to rambling stories about playground adventures—this father is leaving his children memories that will sustain them long after material possessions have worn out or been forgotten.

Not to be cliche, but your presence is the present they really want.

Wisdom

Not just book knowledge, but the practical wisdom gained through experience. When we share our mistakes and what we've learned from them, we're giving our children a roadmap that can help them navigate their own journeys with fewer wrong turns.

And not just helping them avoid mistakes, but helping them pick up the wisdom to know they’re not perfect, they’re going to make mistakes, and it’s not the end of the world.

Unconditional Love

Perhaps this is the most valuable gift. Children who grow up knowing they are loved not for their achievements but for who they are develop a sense of security and self-worth that becomes the foundation for everything else in their lives. This certainty of being loved is perhaps the greatest and longest-lasting wealth any parent can give.

Building Your Legacy

As dads, we need an occasional reality check to remember that our legacies aren't built in bank accounts but in the hearts and minds of our children.

We may never have a 9-figure net worth, but through intentional parenting focused on what truly matters, even the "poorest" among us can leave our children an inheritance of immeasurable worth.

This Week's Challenge

Consider taking stock of the non-material wealth you're building for your children.

Are you investing your time, wisdom, and love as generously as you can? Remember, the dividends of these investments will continue paying out long after we're gone, enriching not just our children but generations to come.

Shameless Plug

I created the Dad Time Journal for many of the reasons listed above and I would appreciate you considering purchasing a copy or two.

You get to spend meaningful time with your kids, asking each other fun questions, and creating a keepsake I know you will cherish for the rest of your life.

I think it’s a bargain at $7.99.

And I look forward to creating more things that positively impact dads and their relationship with their kids.