Dadventure, Charles Mbui’s experience
I participated in a Dadventure excursion for the first time in August 2019. I was in the process of a major transition in my career at that time. I had decided to leave work so that I could spend more time with my family and grow our family business ventures that had stuck as side hustles for far too long.
I had been working at a job that paid me really well but also demanded so much of my time that I only had a few hours over the weekend for my children. For those two years I worked there, I came home to sleep and left early the next morning. By then my son Roy was joining class 8 the next year and I realized that our lives would have to change to accommodate his early schedule and the rigorous preparation required towards his exams. I felt that I needed to do more to support him as well as spend quality time with the twins.
To ease into the transition, I decided to spend a day with them in the outdoors with other children and their dads. We got a packing brief but being a first for them, they were excited and hilariously packed food to feed everyone at camp for a whole weekend instead of just enough for the day. Their clothing was fit for the coldest of weather only to be hit by the warmth of the Ndeiya escarpment. Nonetheless, we were on a high.
The hours stretched out as we hiked hills and descended into valleys and this offered me an opportunity to really talk with each child. When they found the hike challenging, we took those as teachable moments and built on every opportunity we got. We also got in some serious laughter. I discussed with each child the decision I was making and they asked me questions they probably would not have asked had we not spent this time together.
They found the hike very physically challenging and it was apparent we needed to work on our fitness. In hindsight, it helped me set the stage for family walks especially in this covid 19 season.
For me the hike was a great decision and a great precursor to my transition. I realised that the children were also growing really fast and I had an opportunity to influence them. Dadventure continues to offer that rare opportunity for time and space away from our busy schedules. Nature has a way of providing such great company and many precious lessons that are best shared with those we love.
They say in life, it is never too late to take a step, dads can teach life skills and how to navigate challenges. Try it with Dadventure!
Charles Mbui is a Director and Consultant at East Africa Tax House Ltd. He is also passionate about facilitating marriage counseling programs together with his wife Lilian. He can be reached on +254722240860
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