I’ve listened to too many men look at their grown children and say, “I wish I’d…” They’re living a life filled with regrets for the time missed with their kids. If that’s you, I want you to know that it’s not too late to make up for that lost time. Of course you can’t go back and relive those times differently. But you can begin now to make a change in the way you parent, even if your kids have kids of their own.

If you’re kids are still at home, though, you still have plenty of opportunities in before you. And that’s what this series is about: living life as a dad with no regrets. Throughout this series, we will take a look at several different ways that you can impact your kids today, and that you won’t ever regret doing.

Take today’s topic, for example. Read a book to your kids.

Right now, we are reading The Swiss Family Robinson together. Each night, we read a chapter, or at the very least, a part of a chapter. It’s a great story about a family that pulls together and stays strong in spite of tragedy. We’ve read through stories about our nation’s Founding Fathers. We’re read stories of nations all over the world and prayed for missionaries to have an impact with the Gospel there.

We read stories from the Bible every day together. Paired with a good family devotional, these can have a solid impact. But, even on its own, the Bible has the power to change lives.

I read children’s books to my younger kids. We’ve read everything from Dr. Seuss to Veggie Tales, and anything you can think of in between.

Right now, the weather outside is fading into fall, and the temperatures are dropping. It’s a great time to grab a book, a blanket, and a cup of hot chocolate and read a story.

If you’re worried about whether or not this is a habit you can keep up with, then start small. Read a book that you can get through in a few nights together. If you want to tackle one of the classics, read The Swiss Family Robinson, or Pilgrim’s Progress together.

I can guarantee, you will never regret reading books to your kids.

Be deliberate, Dad!

What book or story have you read recently to your children? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.