Craig Parks on Creating a Childhood Your Kids Look Back on With Gratitude

For working dads, being present doesn't always require finding more time. Some of the best opportunities to create the kind of childhood your kids will look back on with gratitude are already built into the routines you share every day. Craig Parks is the founder of Parenting Harmony, a father of two, musician, educator, and longtime camp director who has spent more than 30 years working with children and families. His own experience as a dad, including raising a son on the autism spectrum, helped shape his approach to creating stronger relationships through intention, creativity, play, and presence. Craig shares how to: Turn ordinary routines into moments your kids are more likely to remember Decide intentionally what kind of dad you want to be Create rituals that build connection without adding more to your schedule Become more present during the everyday moments of parenting Help your kids feel heard without having to agree with everything they say Repair the relationship when you make mistakes as a parent Build the trust that helps kids keep coming back to you as they grow Craig offers a practical perspective on fatherhood, parenting, presence at home, work life balance, and the small choices that shape our relationships with our kids over time. The goal isn't perfect parenting. It's building enough connection, trust, and meaningful memories that your kids can look back on their childhood with gratitude, and you can look back knowing you were there for it. Dig Deeper Wonder Pets Stairway to Heaven Capo Follow Craig On his website On Instagram On TikTok On YouTube Get the Parenting A to E From Stress to Smiles, Turning the Mundane into the Memorable course Follow Gap to Gig On Instagram On TikTok On X On YouTube On your podcast player of choice Sign up for the Gap to Gig newsletter Follow Michael On LinkedIn