Spring has always been my favorite season. There's something about the warmer weather, the extra hours of sunlight, and the general buzz of life waking up after months of cold and gray that makes everything feel a little more alive. But since becoming a dad, spring has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s no longer just a time of year; it’s a reset button for our family routines, a chance to rediscover simple joys, and—if I’m being honest—a pretty great excuse to spend more time outdoors. Fatherhood has this way of shifting your perspective, even on something as ordinary as the changing seasons.
Before I had kids, my spring routine was simple. A few more runs in the park, switching out the heavy winter coat for something lighter, maybe planning a barbecue or two. Now? Spring is a whole different game. It’s not just about me anymore—it’s about my kids, their boundless energy, and their sheer excitement about everything the season brings. And let me tell you, kids are experts at finding magic in the little things: the first dandelion poking out of the grass, a bird building a nest, or even just the way the sun feels a little warmer on your face. As a dad, I’ve learned to see spring through their eyes, and let me tell you—it’s a pretty great view.
Take our mornings, for example. In the dead of winter, getting out of bed feels like a chore. The sky is dark, the air is cold, and the struggle to get the kids ready for school feels like climbing a mountain before I’ve even had my coffee. But spring mornings? Those are different. The sunlight streams in earlier, and the kids seem to wake up with the same kind of energy you'd expect from a house full of puppies. They’re eager to talk about their plans for the day, bounce ideas about what to do after school, or even just run outside to see if the flowers in the yard have bloomed yet. I can’t help but get caught up in that energy—it’s contagious.
Spring also changes the way we spend our afternoons and weekends. During the colder months, we tend to hunker down indoors. Movie nights, board games, and maybe the occasional trip to the indoor play center. But when spring rolls around, suddenly the outdoors becomes our playground. The kids want to ride their bikes, blow bubbles, or play tag in the yard. I’ll admit, there’s a part of me that misses the cozy predictability of winter evenings, but there’s something undeniably fun about chasing a toddler around the park or helping my older kid master rollerblading. And let’s not forget the bonus cardio workout I get—they don’t call it “dad bod” for nothing.
One of the biggest shifts spring brings is in how we approach meals. In the winter, it’s all about hearty comfort foods. Soups, casseroles, and anything that pairs well with a roaring fireplace. But spring? Spring is grilling season. There’s nothing quite like the smell of burgers on the barbecue or the simple joy of eating outside as a family. The kids love it because food just tastes better when you’re sitting on a picnic blanket or perched on the patio steps. And I love it because it’s less cleanup for me afterward. Win-win.
Of course, spring isn’t all idyllic sunsets and family picnics. With the warmer weather comes a bit of chaos. Muddy shoes become a permanent fixture by the back door. Allergies kick into high gear (my youngest is especially sensitive—poor kid), and the sheer amount of energy my kids seem to have can be, well, exhausting. But even in the messiness, there’s something kind of beautiful about it. Muddy shoes mean they’ve been playing outside, exploring, and making memories. Allergy season means we’ve officially left the sterile cold of winter behind. And their endless energy? I remind myself that it’s a sign they’re happy, healthy, and thriving.
Another unexpected thing I’ve noticed about spring as a dad is just how much I’ve come to appreciate the little rituals we’ve started to build around the season. Every year, as soon as the weather gets nice, my oldest and I plant tomatoes in the backyard. It’s become our “thing,” just the two of us. I’m not exactly a gardening expert, but there’s something special about kneeling in the dirt together, teaching her how to plant the seeds, and watching her face light up when the first little green shoots start to appear. It’s a small thing, but it’s ours—and I hope it’s something she’ll remember when she’s older.
Spring also brings a new rhythm to our family evenings. In the winter, it’s all about winding down early—dark skies and cold weather have a way of making everyone want to hibernate. But spring evenings are different. As the days get longer, we find ourselves lingering outside a little more. The kids want to play one more round of hide-and-seek, or we’ll take a spontaneous evening stroll to the nearby pond to check on the ducks. It’s those unplanned moments that stick with me the most—just being together, without the rush of schedules or the noise of the world.
And then there’s the teaching moments. Spring, it turns out, is a great time for impromptu lessons about nature. My youngest is endlessly fascinated by bugs, so we’ve spent more than a few afternoons examining ants, worms, and other creatures that make my wife shudder. My older one is more into science experiments, so we’ve built bottle rockets, made rain gauges, and even tried our hand at making a DIY kite (it didn’t fly very far, but we had a blast trying). These moments remind me why being a dad is the best job I’ve ever had—it’s messy, unpredictable, and completely wonderful.
As much as spring is about the kids, it’s also been a surprisingly good opportunity for me to take care of myself. The warmer weather makes it easier to get outside for a quick run or even just a walk around the neighborhood. And while I love spending time with my family, I’ve learned that carving out a little time for myself—whether it’s reading a book in the backyard or sneaking in a quick workout—is just as important. Spring has a way of reminding me to prioritize my health, both for myself and for my kids.
Looking back, I think the biggest thing spring has taught me as a dad is to embrace change. Nothing about fatherhood is static—kids grow, seasons change, and routines shift. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s kind of amazing. Spring is a reminder that life is always moving forward, and while that can sometimes feel overwhelming, it also means there’s always something new to look forward to.
So, here’s to spring—the season of muddy shoes, barbecue dinners, longer evenings, and endless energy. It’s not always perfect, but then again, neither is fatherhood. And that’s what makes it so great. Every day is a little different, a little unpredictable, and a whole lot of fun. As the warmer weather rolls in, I’m ready to embrace it all, chaos and all, because these are the moments that matter. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that these moments fly by faster than you think—kind of like spring itself.
