18 Summers to Build an Empire Without Missing Their Childhood

A simple framework transforming how I connect with my kids.

Here's a reality check that hit me like a ton of bricks: by the time your kids turn 18, you've already spent 80% of your in-person time together.

I'm a father of three young kids (6, 4, and 2) and I'm building a meaningful business. Like you, I'm ambitious. I track my metrics, optimize for growth, and push hard toward my goals.

But I refuse to let building my business mean missing my kids' childhood. What matters most isn't the next deal or metric — it's the moments with them.

That's why I use the "18 Summers Framework" — a simple system to protect and maximize the time we have together.

Here’s how it works:

• 4 hours every quarter (consistency)

• 1-on-1 time only (no siblings/spouse)

• Let them choose activity (ownership)

• No phones or devices (full attention)

It’s not another complex system. Not another thing to feel guilty about. Just 4 focused hours, every 90 days.

Let’s get into it ↓

1. Schedule 4 Hours Every Quarter (Non-Negotiable)

Why 4 hours every 90 days? Because it's long enough to matter but short enough to commit to without hesitation.

Think about it: We block time for quarterly business reviews, investment rebalancing, and strategy sessions.

But how often do we block unbreakable time for what matters most?

The 90-day cycle is crucial because it:

• Creates consistent momentum

• Keeps anticipation high

• Stays far enough apart to feel special

• Makes it harder to reschedule (like you would with weekly commitments)

2. Make It One-on-One Time (No Siblings or Spouse)

Something magical happens when it's just you and one child. The dynamics shift completely.

In group settings, kids compete for attention. But in one-on-one time:

• They drop their guard

• Deeper connections form

• Real conversations emerge naturally

• Hidden thoughts and feelings surface

3. Let Them Choose the Activity (Yes, All of It)

This is where most high-achievers struggle. We're used to optimizing, planning, and controlling outcomes. But magic happens when we flip the typical parent-child dynamic.

Last month, my son's grand plan was:

• Getting a haircut at 8 AM

• Buying a $10 Lego set at Target

• Building it together

• Walking to his favorite pizza shop

When he shared his plan, his face lit up like he'd discovered the secret to happiness. Because for once, he was in charge. He had ownership. He felt seen. Heard. Valued.

4. No Phones Allowed (Period.)

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Kids don't remember our availability. They remember our attention.

Think of attention like compound interest — it works both ways:

• Focused attention compounds into trust and connection

• Divided attention compounds into distance and disconnection

Put your phone in airplane mode. Better yet, leave it in the car.

Ready to Start? Here's Your Playbook (And Why Most People Won't Use It)

Let's address the elephant in the room first. I know what you're thinking:

• "I don't have time"

• "My schedule is unpredictable"

• "I see my kids every day anyway"

But here's the truth: We have time for what we prioritize. We track our investment returns obsessively. We optimize our calendars for work. We measure business metrics religiously.

Before you make another excuse, try this quick exercise:

1. Pull out your calendar right now.

2. Count how many quarters you have left until your oldest turns 18.

3. Write that number down.

4. That's your remaining opportunities to implement this framework.

Now, can we really not find 4 hours every 90 days for a 1-on1 with our kids?

Here's your exact playbook for this quarter:

1. Block 4 hours right now (mark it as non-negotiable)

2. Ask your child "What do YOU want to do?"

3. Show up with full attention

4. Put your phone in airplane mode (or better, leave it in the car)

5. Before leaving, schedule your next quarterly date

Remember: Progress over perfection. Start small. Build momentum. The system works if you work it.

That's it!

The math might feel small: 4 hours × 4 quarters × 18 years = 288 hours total.

Here's the thing: 4 hours is just the starting point.

The minimum.

The foundation.

Once you experience the impact of the framework, you'll find yourself creating more of these moments. Because quality time creates a hunger for more connection.

And that’s exactly what I've discovered: These focused hours create a ripple effect.

• More trust.

• Stronger bonds.

• Deeper conversations.

And something unexpected? My focus at work actually increased. When I'm fully present with my kids, I can be fully present with my work.

Remember: Your career will give you many second chances. Your kids' childhood won't.

Want to start now?

Block those 4 hours for this quarter. Right now. Before another meeting takes that slot. Before another quarter slips away.

Because at the end of the day, what's the point of building wealth and freedom if we miss the moments that make it meaningful?

Thanks for reading. We’ll see you next week.

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