Talking With Kids
About Tough Issues Special Focus on Dads
10
Ways to be a Better Dad | What
It Takes to be a Dad
Playing An Active Role | Introduction
10
Ways to be a Better Dad
Ten
Things Every Father Needs to Know ... And Do!
 Spend
Time With Your Children
How a father
spends his time tells his children what's important to him. If you
always seem too busy for your children, they will feel neglected
no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing
other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children.
Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are lost forever.
Earn
The Right To Be Heard
All too often
the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have
done something wrong. That's why so many children cringe when their
mother says, "Your father wants to talk with you." Begin
talking with your kids when they are very young so that difficult
subjects will be easier to handle as they get older. Take time and
listen to their ideas and problems.
Discipline
With Love
All children
need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable
limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions
and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior. Fathers who
discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.
Be a
Role Model
Fathers are
role models to their kids, whether they realize it or not. A girl
who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves
to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband.
Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating
honesty, humility and responsibility.
Be a
Teacher
Too many fathers
think teaching is something others do. But a father who teaches
his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their
best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers
use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons
of life.
Eat
Together as a Family
Sharing a meal
together (breakfast, lunch or dinner) can be an important part of
healthy family life. In addition to providing some structure in
a busy day, it gives kids the chance to talk about what they are
doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen
and give advice. Most importantly, it is a time for families to
be together each day.
Read
to Your Children
In a world
where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important
that fathers make the effort to read to their children. Children
learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing.
Begin reading to your children when they are very young. When they
are older, encourage them to read on their own. Instilling your
children with a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure
they will have a lifetime of personal and career growth.
Show
Affection
Children need
the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and
loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel
both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection
every day is the best way to let your children know that you love
them.
Respect
Your Children's Mother
One of the
best things a father can do for his children is to respect their
mother. If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital.
If you're not married, it is still important to respect and support
the mother of your children. A father and mother who respect each
other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment
for them. When children see their parents respecting each other,
they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected.
Realize
That A Father's Job Is Never Done
Even after
children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look
to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it's continued schooling,
a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part
in the lives of their children as they grow and, perhaps, marry
and build their own families.
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