5 Ways to Be a Better Dad
5 Ways to Be a Better Dad
For me, being a dad is one of the best feelings in the world. And being a great dad doesn’t take much more than most of the dads out there are already putting in. This is not an all-inclusive list, and it is in no particular order. These are just my thoughts on what it takes to be a better dad, if you have anything to add please do so in the comments below.
1. Spend all the time you can with them – Even if this time is just you sitting down and watching them play. Reading an extra book before bedtime. Or going on a new adventure together. This time is important not only for your son or daughter, but it is important for you as well. It lets your child know that no matter what you will always be there for them.
2. Be a Role Model – Children are always watching, especially your own children. Make sure that the way you are interacting with people, pets, animals, even the barista at your local coffee place. Every interaction you have with your child present is an opportunity to show them how they should act in public. Kids mimic pretty much everything they see and hear, so make sure what they are hearing and seeing is something you wouldn’t mind them repeating or mimicking.
3. Limit Screen Time/Read More Books – Screens are all around us, there is no way to limit a kid’s exposure to them. But at home, in your own environment, you have the option of turning off all of those screens. By turning off those devices and reading with or to your kid you are not only helping to expand that vocabulary, but you are also helping to expand their minds. Kids today aren’t using their imagines as much as we did when we were growing up. And a great imagination can be helpful in the future. Reading can also help your child learn to interact with people.
4. Be Patient – Being a parent requires a lot of patience. Remember that kids are still learning and developing, and some tasks may not be mastered as quickly as others. That’s why repetition is so important. If your son or daughter sees you getting frustrated while they are doing something, they may take that as a cue to not do whatever it is they were trying to learn. Also seeing you getting frustrated could cause them to, later on, repeat that behavior and have no patients.
5. A Dad’s Job is Never Done – Lastly, remember that your children are always looking up to you for guidance and comfort. Even when they are grown up and moved out of the house, you can still teach them a thing or two. And if they have children of their own, you are going to be that rock for them as they learn how to be a parent.
As I stated at the start this is not an all-inclusive list and that all dads and children are different. You have to find your own rhythm and style of being the dad you want to be. But remember, that you have little eyes on you at all times, so the time you put in early on will have a lasting effect on your children.