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Morning—Clay here.
At Campfire Gentleman, we talk a lot about being present—showing up for your family, living with purpose, and making time for what matters most.

But here’s the part we sometimes overlook:
Your presence isn’t just a bonus.
It’s the gift they’ll remember.

This week, we’re talking about what your kids actually need from you—and how you might already be giving it, even if it doesn’t feel like enough.

Let’s get into it. 🔥

What If You’re Already Giving Them What Matters Most?

You’ve probably seen the image.

A dad on a park bench, shoulders slumped, staring off, thinking about money, work, bills, expectations.
Right next to him, his kid is beaming, eyes full of joy, because all they’re thinking about… is him.

That one hits like a punch to the gut.

Because that’s real.
✅ That’s us.

Most of us are out here grinding, working hard, playing provider, trying to make sure our kids have what they need.
And not just the basics, we want to give them the best: the bigger house, the better vacation, the shot at something we maybe never had.

But here’s the truth a lot of us forget in the chase:
They don’t want more stuff. They want more you.

– They want your presence.
– Your attention.
– Your time.

They want to hear you cheer at the game.
They want to feel your arm around them on the couch.
They want you to see them, not just look at them in between distractions.

They don’t care how many unread emails you have.
They don’t care if you’re driving a ten-year-old truck.
They don’t care that your bank account isn’t where you hoped it’d be by now.

➡️ They care that you’re there.

So here’s the thing most dads miss in the pressure to be everything:
You might already be giving them what matters most.

Even if you feel behind.
Even if you’re not where you thought you’d be.
Even if life feels messy right now.

If you’re showing up, in the room, engaged, real, they’re getting something money can’t buy.

So keep going.
Not perfectly, just consistently.
Not as the man who has it all together, but as the man who keeps showing up anyway.

That’s the kind of dad they’ll remember.

Most political news lives in the extremes.

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If you didn’t catch my appearance on Pillars of Purpose Podcast with Matthew Efird you missed a great conversation. 👇 Check it out below. And read more about Chris in this issue of the Campfire Gentleman Kindling Newsletter.

Until next time—
keep the fires burning.
– Clay

New to Campfire Gentleman?
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Family: The Foundation of a Meaningful Life

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Worth Your Time

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