This week’s article is kind of a continuation of how I ended last week’s.

I finished with this:

“Our generation needs strong, present, resilient parents. Moms and dads working together as a team.”

That thought stuck with me.

The inspiration for this week’s article came after Lauren and I took Beau on his first beach trip. We called it “Dino at the Beach.”

We had an amazing long weekend.

Watching him experience the ocean, the sand, and all the new sights was something I will never forget. Lauren and I made memories that will last a lifetime with our little guy.

He truly is the love of our lives.

But…

For those of you who have taken a baby to the beach — or are planning to someday — let me tell you…

It is not easy.

It was one of the most fun weekends we have had. It was also one of the most exhausting.

It took a lot of work. More importantly, it took a lot of teamwork. Lauren and I were constantly working together to accomplish two things.

First, making sure Beau had everything he needed. Second, making sure the other person was doing OK.

When we got married, one of my favorite things Lauren ever said to me was that together we would always equal one hundred percent.

Some days that might be fifty-fifty.

Other days it might be eighty-twenty.

Or twenty-eighty.

But together, we would always get it done.

That really hit home this weekend.

I could tell Beau was wearing Lauren out one afternoon. She just needed a little time to recharge.

So, Dad loaded up Beau, and we headed to the boardwalk to walk around and kill some time while Mom got a chance to relax.

She came back refreshed, and we all had a great day together.

The same thing happened for me.

After the drive home trying to travel around nap time while keeping a baby asleep…I was mentally drained.

Lauren looked at me and said, “Go to the gym. Blow off some steam.”

An hour later, I came home refreshed and ready to be fully present again.

That is what being a team looks like.

It is recognizing when the other person needs help and stepping in without keeping score.

Right now, our dinners are a perfect example.

One of us is usually standing up, bouncing Beau or dancing around the kitchen while the other one eats as fast as possible.

Then…

We switch.

It may not be our chance to enjoy our fine dining.

But it is teamwork.

And honestly, I would not trade it for anything.

Something else really stuck with me this weekend.

Every time it happens, I give Lauren a little wink like, “Man, you are lucky to have me.”

I am kidding… of course.

But when we are out somewhere, people will say to Lauren, “It is so awesome that your husband is holding the baby so you can eat,” or “I wish my husband would do that.”

Honestly, that surprises me every time.

To me, I am not babysitting. I am being a dad.

We were also told recently by a server that she sees moms struggling with the diaper bag, the stroller, the baby, and everything else that comes with parenting while Dad is worrying about his own stuff.

Guys…

We have to do better.

Step in and give your significant other support. Be there for them not when they need you but before they need you.

Hold the baby.

Push the stroller.

Change the diaper.

Give your spouse the chance to catch their breath.

That is what being a teammate looks like.

Being a dad is one of the greatest gifts God can give you.

Treat it like one.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10