799. Any Man Can Be A Father, But It Takes Someone Special To Be A Dad. (A Tiny Guide To Being A Dad, Not Just A Father)

bobbyparsa:

                                                               

There are only three things you need to do to be a great dad:

1. Be there. If you’re in their lives, you rock. If you’re there when they scrape their knee, lose their first tooth, need someone to cry to, need help with their school project, want a partner for playing house or hide-and-seek … you are already being a great dad. Be there, when they need you, and when they don’t.

2. Love them. They will know you love them, if you love them fully. It will show in your smile, in your touch, in your good-morning hugs. But also tell them on a regular basis. Infuse all your dad actions with love.

3. Be present. It’s great to be in the same room with them, but as much as you can afford to, be fully present with them. Shut off the mobile device, close the laptop, turn off the TV, and really pay attention. Listen to their long fragmented stories.

That’s it. That’s all you need to be a great dad. Well, there are some bonus moves, but those are just extensions of the above three.

The Bonus Moves

If you want some specifics of how to do the above three rules, here are some ideas:

1. Sing with them.
2. Run around with them.
3. Make believe with them.
4. Read to them daily.
5. Dance with them.
6. Tell them corny jokes.
7. Paint with them.
8. Make videos where they are the star.
9. Be honest.
10. Show them how to be independent.
11. Teach them critical thinking, rather than just obedience.
12. Teach them how to teach themselves.
13. Don’t nag.
14. Don’t be overprotective.
15. Show them you’re proud of them.
16. Let them make mistakes.
17. When they get hurt, use that moment to teach them how to deal with pain.
18. Show interest in what they’re interested in.
19. Cuddle with them.
20. Love your wife, and treat her with respect.

I want to be a great dad.