Why One Belly Flop Made My Dad a Legend—and What It Means for Every Father

I’ll never forget the electric moment when my 9-year-old heart nearly burst with pride. My dad—mid-forties, average build, not a chance in a swimsuit catalog—was standing atop a hot tub railing on a cruise ship, ready to execute the ultimate belly flop.

This wasn’t just any belly flop competition. It was the event of our family cruise. Dozens of passengers circled the pool deck, cheering, cameras ready. The official launch box was a modest two feet above the water. But my dad? He went higher—about five feet up on the outer railing, determined to leave a mark. And oh, he did.

With a fearless leap and an epic splash, he won. Not just the competition, but something far bigger in my eyes.

He wasn’t “Dad Average” anymore. He was “Dad Awesome.”

That leap has echoed in my heart for more than 30 years—not because of the win, but because it revealed something deeper: courage, creativity, and commitment. And as I reflect on that memory, I realize that every dad on that cruise probably had awesome moments. Not every splash was public. But every one mattered.

So here’s the challenge:

Don’t let Father’s Day be the high point of your dad game. Let it be your launch pad.

COURAGE: Small Risks, Big Rewards

1. Gather Other Dads.
   Start a campfire or coffee meet-up with three other dads. You don’t have to lead a movement—just create space to talk about being better dads. What you start casually can ignite accountability, encouragement, and wisdom for everyone involved.
2. Ask Your Kids for Feedback.
   Look them in the eyes. Ask, “How am I doing as your dad?” Pause. Then ask what they love and what they don’t. Be brave enough to listen without defending. It will stretch you—and grow your connection.
3. See a Counselor.
   Courageous dads deal with their wounds so they don’t pass them on. Even a few sessions can bring clarity, healing, and strength to your parenting presence.

CREATIVITY: Make It Memorable

1. Schedule One-on-One Time.
   A walk, a Slurpee run, ten minutes of basketball in the driveway—put it on the calendar. It’s not about extravagance. It’s about attention.
2. Speak Life Intentionally.
   Every month, prep one minute of affirming words for each child. It may feel awkward at first. Do it anyway. Your words matter more than you know.
3. Plan a Micro-Adventure.
   Jump into the lake with your clothes on. Build a cardboard slide down the stairs. Invent a new family game. Be goofy. Be remembered.

CRAZY COMMITMENT: Your Yes Matters

1. Read a Fatherhood Book.
   Challenge your mind and heart. Try titles like The Intentional Father or Raising Spirit-Led Kids. Growth doesn’t happen by accident.
2. Take a Trip.
   Whether it’s a Saturday hike or a week-long road trip, get away. Shared experiences deepen bonds and create stories they’ll tell forever.
3. Rethink Your Career Priorities.
   It’s hard, but worth it. If your job is robbing your family of your best, maybe this is the year you make the brave change. You don’t need to climb the ladder if it’s leaning against the wrong wall.

Final Encouragement

You don’t need a cruise ship or a cheering crowd to be “Dad Awesome.” You need intentionality. You need courage to try. And you need to show up—heart first, eyes open, and ready to leap.

Don’t settle for “Dad Average.”

Your splash might just become their favorite story someday.

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