Let them play on the monkey bars when you go to the playground. When my oldest son asked me if he should run for high school class president, I urged him to do so. Even though he lost the election, it was a rewarding experience for him. Prudently stretch the goals and the risks of your children. They will reap the benefits in greater self-confidence, and so will you.
Children love their mother.
Furthermore, they love to see that their dad loves their mom, too. Make sure that your kids see you display affection to your wife. Children find security and love when they see their parents together in loving harmony. Just as children feed off the affection that they see in your marriage, they also feel the tension. The problem here is that children have the tendency to blame themselves for your marital discord and tensions.