Raising kids is a lesson in hindsight. In the moment, making the right choices and setting priorities can be overwhelming and uncertain. But for those who’ve paid their dues and survived early childhood, knowing they prioritized the “right things” is a huge victory. The “right things,” of course, are relative and unique to each family, which makes the stories behind them all the more interesting and inspiring. Nevertheless it’s essential to hear about the choices parents are happy they made for their kids. That’s why we spoke to a dozen dads about what they’re grateful they emphasized during their children’s early years. From the profound to the seemingly mundane, here’s what they did — or didn’t do — and why it made a big difference for them and their kids.