Quite often, whenever people and groups want to remind fathers about the important role they play in their children’s lives, there’s a common phrase that keeps repeating: quality time.

It makes sense because we need dads embracing their roles, spending time with their kids, and making memories together. And time is one of the most important, basic commitments that a father makes. Quality time with your kids is a great goal.

At the same time, that term shouldn’t give you the wrong idea as you try to be a good dad.

Here at NCF, we have found that most of the great dads we interact with—the dads who really get it when it comes to being there for their kids—are not talking about quality time. They know that it doesn’t usually work to schedule quality time. Most often, quality time is unexpected—it just happens when you’re practicing a sport, riding in the car or eating a meal together—investing quantity time in the relationship with your kids.

If you think about it, “quality time” is an adult concept; we want to get the most done in a given time period. But in relationships it adds an extra layer of pressure and expectations.

We know what dads do; maybe we’ve done it ourselves. We tell our children we wish we could spend more time with them. We wish we could play a game of Monopoly or ping-pong. We wish we could take them to the park and push them on the swing. But right now, we can’t. Our schedules are just too tight. Then we try to make up for it by doing something special.

Usually, when dads talk about “quality time,” it’s like they’re making an excuse. It’s difficult for them to give their kids a lot of time, so with the time they do have, they want to make sure it’s meaningful. And when kids hear that phrase, they could easily get the message that they aren’t worth more than five or ten minutes of their dad’s day.

It’s like approaching your daughter and saying, “Okay, I have a few free minutes. Let’s have a conversation and really connect.” Sounds ridiculous, right? A better plan is to spend a lot of time with her; then you’ll probably be available when those times arise. Those conversations often occur when a father and child are just “hanging out.” And in either case, those moments can’t happen unless we’ve built a strong relationship during the everyday, unstructured times during day-to-day life.

Think about “quality time” from your children’s perspective.

To them, what time with you is not quality time? They don’t make that distinction. Spending an hour shooting baskets, building a LEGO castle, or even working on a geometry homework assignment with your child may not seem like a big deal to you. But your kids cherish those moments.

There’s a powerful example of this from history, found in two short diary entries describing the same day’s events. Charles Adams, the son of President John Adams, wrote this:

“Went fishing with my son today—a day wasted.”

The same day, his son Brook wrote this in his diary:

“Went fishing today with my father—the most wonderful day of my life.”

Our children want to know that they’re important enough for their fathers to commit time in their schedule and say, “It’s just you and me.” Even if it doesn’t end up being what you might consider quality time, it still could be for your child.

There are no secret weapons here; it’s just a matter of putting in the time. Once you’re together, good things will happen. So read a book together. Play a game. Go for a walk or a bike ride. Do a puzzle. Include your kids in your projects and errands to the hardware store or supermarket. Let them help with some tasks and projects around the house. Chances are your child will have plenty of ideas for what you can do together.

To be clear: you can and should plan special events and activities with your children. But connecting with them is more about investing quantity time and making a quality effort by giving them your full attention as often as you can. Make the most of your opportunities to connect with them whether you’re fishing or fixing dinner together, whether you’re playing laser tag or playing Candyland for the tenth time that day. That’s when the so-called “quality” moments are more likely to happen.

Dad, invest your time and energy to be the father your children need. That’s a daddy’s calling and privilege.

Action Points for Dads on the Journey

• Being a great dad starts with being there … showing up … getting involved. Find one more way to be involved in your children’s lives this week.
• Keep being faithful in the everyday responsibilities that too often get taken for granted: going to work to provide for your family; helping with a project; tucking in before bed; fixing a meal; attending games and lessons, etc.
• Put more thought into making everyday activities more fun for your kids. A trip to the grocery store can become a treasure hunt; an everyday chore like doing dishes or setting the table can be more fun if you make up silly songs about the activity.
• Whenever your child is talking to you, make the effort to stop what you’re doing, get down on her level, and really listen.
• Before you walk in the door after work, take a few minutes to gather yourself, release stress, and adjust your attitude. Be ready to focus fully on your kids.
• Start the habit of sending your child short, affirming texts at various times in the day.

Please share your thoughts. When have you found “quality time” moments with your kids in unexpected places? You can leave a comment on our Facebook page.