VDay is as good a day as any to tell your kids how much you love them, and then repeat often.
You mentioned how you want your kids to grow up and that having a bearing on who you want to become. Great analogy. But now, how do you put that into action?
For example, do you want your kids to be compassionate for other people? How would they show that .... through volunteerism maybe? And you? Perhaps you should begin now to find some volunteer opportunities in your area. Show them by example, and then include them in your efforts.
Even though you guys are ... guys ... there may be some ways to help at a Women's shelter. Painting. Collecting clothes or toys, food. Same goes for homeless shelters. Or just a Dad's club at the local school. Meet other dads. Network. Observe and consider new ways you would want to imprint positive character upon your young guns.
Taking my guys through the scout program instilled in me the desire to leave a place better than I found it, among other things. I probably got more out of it than they did, at least for now. The same thing is now happening through my participation at church, volunteering at a homeless shelter, and busting knuckles on Habitat houses. The boys are grown and gone, so these things are for me, and not to impress someone else.
You can do things for yourself now, and the kids will learn by watching. Getting them to join in will teach them even more. And what better place to learn about pitching in, than at home? Encourage them to do it not because they must, but because it is good and right to do. It is also a good place for your head to be at when you take out trash or clean house ... not because you feel you must, but because you feel it will make you a better person.
