Ten tips for dads
1. Respect your children's mother
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One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother.
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If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you are separated, it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children.
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A father and mother who respect each other and show it, provide a secure environment for the children.
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When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected.
2. 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.
* Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are forever lost.
3. Earn the Right to Be Heard
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All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong.
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Begin talking with your kids when they are very young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle as they get older.
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Take time and listen to their ideas and problems.
4. Discipline with love
* All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits.
* Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.
5. Be a role model
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Fathers are role models to their kids, whether they realise it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father, grows up knowing that she deserves to be treated with respect by boys and also knows what to look for in a husband.
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Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility.
6. Be a teacher
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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.
7. Eat together as a family
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Sharing a meal together 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.
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A meal is also a good time for fathers to listen and give advice.
8. Read to your children
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In a world where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children.
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Begin reading to your children when they are very young.
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When they are older, encourage them to read on their own.
9. Show affection
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Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and loved by their family.
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Parents, especially fathers, need to be both comfortable and willing to hug their children.
10. Realise that a father's job is forever
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Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice.
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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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