As fathers, we all want to build strong, lasting relationships with our children, offering them not only guidance and support but also deep emotional connection. But in the hustle of everyday life, sometimes it’s easy to overlook the small moments that create those meaningful bonds. What if you could connect with your children in a way that speaks directly to their hearts no matter their age?
One powerful way to nurture this connection is by understanding and using the 5 Love Languages, a concept created by Dr. Gary Chapman that explores how we give and receive love in different ways. Whether it’s through words of affirmation, acts of service, physical
touch, quality time, or gifts, every child expresses love differently. By recognizing these differences, dads can ensure they’re meeting their children’s emotional needs in a way that resonates.
And what better way to put this into practice than over brunch? Picture this: A cold mid-winter Saturday afternoon in Minnesota, Destiny Dads, a fraternity of fatherhood, gather with their children around the table nourishing their father and child relationships and their bodies. Through the simple act of connecting over food, dads have a perfect opportunity to bond, teach, and show love in each of the five languages.
Using the 5 Love Languages at Brunch:
• Words of Affirmation: Begin the meal with positive affirmations—tell your children what you love and appreciate about them. Maybe even let them share their thoughts with you. Words can be incredibly powerful, and giving kids the space to express their feelings boosts their sense of self-worth.
• Acts of Service: Show your love by taking action. Whether it’s setting the table, pouring the juice, or helping with a favorite part of the meal, small acts of service during brunch show your kids that you care and are willing to invest time and energy into their happiness.
• Physical Touch: If your child responds well to physical touch, think of ways to incorporate this language during brunch—giving them a gentle hug as you pass the pancakes or a reassuring pat on the back when they’ve done something great. Physical touch fosters security and closeness.
• Quality Time: The very act of sitting down together for brunch is a form of quality time. Focus on being present, putting away distractions, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Ask your kids about their dreams, their day, or even what they enjoy most about spending time with you.
Gifts: This doesn’t mean extravagant presents—sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the little tokens of affection. Maybe you bring them a small surprise at the table, or a special treat they’ve been craving. Thoughtful, personalized gifts can speak volumes about how much you care. The Destiny Dads program journeys with dads as they explore ways to strengthen their parent and child relationships, often fractured by the cycle of multigenerational trauma and incarceration. Fatherhood in isolation can be challenging at best; Destiny Dads provides peer support and service coordination to dads as they rebuild through adversity.
Dads can join our weekly community group.
Prior Lake, Monday’s, 6-7pm
South Minneapolis, Thursday’s 3-4pm
& Special Monthly Activities
For more information, please contact 952-521-3521 or visit
https://damascusway.com/