This week, my daughter’s ballet studio had Daddy-Daughter night for Valentine’s Day, so I took my little dancer to ballet, just the two of us. Normally, there is a parent waiting area where my wife and I sit, but this night, I was invited into her class with her. I thought I’d be spectating, watching what she’s been learning in class, and so on.

Nope.

I got to participate. Let’s keep in perspetive that I’m an out-of-shape introverted person with a couple of left feet, so I was a little wary of attempting ballet moves. But I looked at my daughter and she was smiling and I had to go for it.

I attempted stretches I used to be able to do when I was eighteen. I awkwardly walked across the floor on my toes with my hands in the air. I ballet jumped over a foam block with the grace of an alligator. It was so incredibly awkward for me.

But I’m glad I did it.

My daughter had such a good time, and I had fun being awkward with her.

Looking around the room, though, I realized the importance of what I was doing. There were a couple of other dads in there with their daughters. Several of the others, though, did not.

Now, I understand that at 5:30 on a Tuesday, a lot of people are still on their way home from work. That’s not the point. This isn’t a point of condemnation but revelation. The moment showed me the importance of being present for my daughter. I’ve taught for over a decade now, and I’ve watched countless students walk through my door who did not have a father present in their lives. I’m not just talking about fathers that they never knew.

If you are a father, be present for your child. It’s easy to get caught up in “taking care of your family” by making money, but that’s not what they need. Put the phone down. Close the laptop. Work can wait. It’ll always be there. Get down on the floor and play with your child. Go for a walk with them. Take goofy pictures. Have fun. Be a dad.