As Americans, we face a big temptation. Looking at it from my perspective, I’d almost say that it is epidemic in its proportions.

And it’s a myth.

I’m talking about the myth of multi-tasking.

Multi-tasking has been proclaimed to be the efficiency king. Multi-tasking helps us get more done, they claim.

I don’t buy it.

Maybe… In a few isolated circumstances, this may be somewhat true.

But we’ve allowed this monster to take over in all areas of our lives. And we’re paying the price for our negligence.

Especially as dads…

Let me paint a picture for you.

You’re sitting at home on the couch, or maybe in your recliner. It’s been a long day at work. Your boss was upset with you, the customers were cranky, or something else invaded your day and it wasn’t all that great. Just like almost every other day, every other week.

Right now, all you want is some relaxation. You turn on the TV. Or pick up the paper or a magazine. And your son decides right then that he needs some help with his math. You want to be a good dad. So you try to assist while still doing what you’re doing. You give him a few grunts and point a finger or two, and keep your nose buried in your paper.

Your daughter approaches. She wants to sit on your lap and tell you about her day at school. She made a turkey out of macaroni and she does her best to show you. But you glance at it and brush it aside so you can see the sports section easier. You want to be a great dad, but you’re tired.

And after the kids go to bed, you feel satisfied that you spent some quality time with your son and your daughter.

Wrong.

Your kids don’t want a piece of you and your attention, they want all of your undivided attention. It might only be for a few moments, and then they will be upstairs fighting dragons, or playing princess, or something else.

But your involvement with the paper or the TV was more important to you right then.

Here’s the stark truth. Dads, we need to set aside the myth of multi-tasking and be fully present when we spend time with our kids. They want your full attention, not your distracted partial focus while you try to do something else at the same time.

Your kids are only with you for a short time. Too soon, they will be grown and gone, and you’ll wish you had more opportunities to spend time with them.

So set aside the newspaper. Turn off the TV. And give your kids your full attention. Do it while you have the opportunity.

You’ll be glad you did!

Be deliberate, Dad!

Be honest: What’s your biggest distraction that you struggle with? For me it’s reading. You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.