There’s a gentle kind of magic in the everyday moments that make up our lives. A magic that’s captured in this simple yet poignant image from the first page of our book. Here, you see us, a Papa and his little man, lost in a quiet afternoon surrounded by the playful chaos of a child’s bedroom. It’s in these unspoken seconds where the foundations of forever promises are laid. I feel a parent’s promise should be to offer a steadfast yet also subtle presence in your child’s journey, wherever it may lead. This image is not just a snapshot of that, but also a window into a world of love, hope, and dreams. Serving as a testament to the unbreakable bond between us, it transcends time and space. I’m hoping it resonates in the hearts of every parent and child who reads our free eBook.
The Palette of Parenthood
In choosing watercolours for our story, I wanted to capture that sense of timelessness we experience with our children—the way the rest of the world can seem to wash away in their presence. With the watery abstract backgrounds, the focus isn’t so much on the place but on the people, on Félix. It’s about the universality of those moments that blur the setting into insignificance and sharpen the details of our love and connection. That’s the feeling I hope to share with you, one that’s evoked not just through the story but through the very strokes that colour each page.
This choice of watercolour is also a visual metaphor of a desire to leave some room for Félix to further refine a life that’s his. After all, a parent’s promise shouldn’t dictate a child’s dreams. I want him to be able to make his own choices amongst the fluidity of life’s ever-changing circumstances. As a new dad, I’m constantly reminded that while I can help set the scene, it’s Félix who will fill in the hues with his unique spirit.
Fulfilling The Parental Promise
As I see myself sitting there with Félix, amidst his sea of toys, I find myself reflecting on the practical ways I might be able to nurture his future:
- Encouraging Félix’s Interests: It’s like setting up his easel with a variety of colours. I provide the tools—whether it’s books, puzzles, sports equipment, or art supplies—and watch him express his creativity, gently guiding but never dictating his choices.
- Listening and Observing: When I listen to Félix’s playful narratives or observe him solve problems with his toys, I’m gathering clues about his interests and strengths, which I encourage through active participation and by introducing him to new, related experiences.
- Providing Safety and Support: I feel my primary role is to be his safe space, the sturdy backdrop against which he can fearlessly paint the strokes of his dreams. It means being present, whether he’s building a tower with blocks or needing a big hug after a tumble.
From My Canvas To Yours
As a father weaving his first children’s book that tries to get to the essence of what it means to help our children chase their dreams, I am no expert. I’m a dad who’s trying his best, often feeling like I’m winging it, but always aiming to provide what’s best for Félix. I believe that many of you probably share this beautiful, bewildering journey of parenthood with me. Through this blog, I’m not handing out advice, but rather, I’m right there in the trenches learning with you. Each post is a page from my own evolving parenting story, and I’m sure yours is just as enlightening, inspiring and, or course, full of its own challenges.
What Could Your Book Look Like?
I can only hope to create a similar book for you and your child. What stories would you tell? What dreams do you have for them that you’d like to see immortalized in a book? What do you feel a parent’s promise to their child should be? Share your ideas in the comments below and let’s explore how we could turn your unique family story into a personalized book. I’m here for the insights, the shared experiences, and the collective wisdom that comes from our community. This dialogue will help shape the journey as we aim to provide a platform for parents everywhere to create lasting memories. Let’s talk about those watercolour moments where everything but the connection with your child fades into the background. Because at the end of the day, while I may be crafting a children’s book for Félix, it’s our shared stories that create the richest tapestry for our children to grow in.