Welcome to the Daily Dad podcast where we provide one lesson every day to help you

with your most important job being a dad. These are lessons inspired by ancient philosophy,

by practical wisdom, and insights from dads all over the world. Thank you for

listening, and we hope this helps. Don't let them sneer. You've seen a lot. You've been through a lot.

You know what's up. As a parent, you have to make sure that the

insight you've gleaned from these experiences does not turn into cynicism. And if it does from time to

time that you shield your kids from it, because any disillusionment you might feel about people

or the world or your own present circumstances

is not their fault. It does not serve them well. The poorest way to face life is with a sneer,

Deodor Roosevelt reminds us. What he's talking about is not so much disillusionment as it is contempt.

He's talking about wallflower nihilism and superiority. He's talking about

the kind of cynicism that voids out creativity, collaboration, and connection. He's talking about

our frustrations and our doubts as well as our anger and resentments. It's so easy to fall into

the clutches of these forces to let them

retard your behavior, little comments under your breath, making fun of stuff that makes you

uncomfortable, rationalizing your avoidance of things you'd rather not do, or deep down,

know that you don't do well. Choices that pass on so easily to impressionable children, we're always

watching. As we've said before, your kids are a fresh start. They came into the world with fresh

eyes, a full heart, and so, so much energy. Don't deprive them of these forces for good. Don't

weigh them down with your baggage. Lift them up, encourage them.

Let them be earnest. Let them care and try. Better yet, let them infect you with their sincerity

and the clarity of their passion. And whatever you do, don't let your cynicism infect them.

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