10 Ways to be a Better Dad
1. 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 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 respected and accepted.
2.
Spend time with your
children.
How a father spends 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.
3. 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 when
they get older. Take time
and listen to their ideas
and problems.
4. Discipline with love.
All children need
guidance and discipline.
Remind your children of the
consequences of their
actions and provide
meaningful rewards for
desirable behaviors. Fathers
who discipline in a calm and
fair manner show love for
their children.
5. 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.
6. Be a teacher.
Too many fathers think
that teaching is something
that 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.
7. 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 what they
want to do. It is a good
time for fathers to listen
and give advice. Most
importantly, it is a time
for families to be together
each day.
8. 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.
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.
9. 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 everyday is the
best way to let your
children know that you love
them.
10. 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.
1
1 From the National
Fatherhood Initiative’s, "10
Ways to Be a Better Dad,"