10 tips for fathers:
1. When your child is struggling with something, tell them about a time that you struggled. This humanizes you and makes you approachable.
2.Take the time to explain the “why” even when it seems perfectly clear to you. Kids learn best when they understand why they are expected to do a chore, homework, service... or why they are being punished.
3. When your child does something wrong, punishment is important. But take the time to explain that it’s not personal, that you love them, and that the behavior is the problem. Not them as a human.
4. Being present means being available, listening, watching their actions, checking their grades, attending their games, getting up in the night, checking their toothbrush to see if it’s wet, meeting their friends, and a million other actions. Being present is a verb.
5. Love the mother of your children. If that isn’t possible, find a way to respect and listen to her. Regardless of the situation, you are in this together. I understand that for some of you this may be the hardest reality of your fatherhood.
6. Don’t take the bait. When your kids says “I don’t care” or “whatever” or does nothing when you repeatedly asked them to do something, stay calm. They are pushing your buttons. As crazy as it sounds, they want you to get angry. Don’t give in to them.
7. Teach them one of the best ways to show love is through service. This will help them to become a better spouse and community member.
8. Become interested in their interests because they will most likely not be interested in the things you enjoy, and you need something to talk about.
9. Don’t worry about the father you did or didn’t have. You are your own man. Know your children well enough to be the feather they need. Your children have unique and individual needs. They don’t care that your father was good or bad, they care what kind of father you are.
10. This is hands down the most important one: Tell your children you love them every day. That is the foundation of everything.
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