Studies
demonstrate that healthy father-child relationships help children
flourish when it comes to coping and adapting, solving problems,
staying in school and developing longer lasting relationships. Involved
dads also win, enjoying better overall health, higher self-esteem and a
more positive self-image. “Studies show that when fathers are involved
in the lives of their children, both parent and child win,” said Suzin
Bartley, Executive Director of the Children’s Trust Fund. “All parents
need and deserve the skills and support needed to be the best parent
they can be. We applaud our dads on Father’s Day and throughout the
year – they’ve got one tough job!”
1. Respect your child’s mother.
If
you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you aren’t
married, it is still important to respect and support the mother of
your children.
2. Spend time with your children.
How
a father spends his time tells his children what’s important to him. By
sharing time with your children, you tell them they are important to
you.
3. Earn the right to be heard.
Too
often a father only speaks to his children when they have done
something wrong. Begin talking with your kids when they are young,
praise them and take time to listen to their ideas and problems.
4. Discipline with love.
All
children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set
reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their
actions and provide meaningful rewards for good behavior.
5. Read to your children.
Begin
reading to your children when they are very young. 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.
6. Show affection.
Children
need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted and loved by
their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel comfortable and
willing to hug their children. Showing affection every day is the best
way to let your children know that you love them.
7. Eat together as a family.
Sharing
a meal together can be an important part of family life. It gives kids
the chance to talk about what they are doing and is a good time for
fathers to listen and give advice.
8. Be a teacher and a role model.
A
father will see his children make good choices because he has taught
them about right and wrong and encouraged them to do their best. By
demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility, fathers can show
their children what is important in life. A daughter who grows up with
a loving father learns that she deserves to be treated with respect.
9. Realize that a father’s job is never done.
Even
after children are grown and leave the home, they will still look to
their fathers for wisdom and advice. Fathers continue to play an
essential part in the lives of their children as they make decisions
about education, jobs, marriage and starting their own families.
10. Reach out to other parents for support.
Discuss
parenting with other parents - both moms and dads. Share ideas, solve
problems, find out what other parents are doing to tackle issues of
discipline, safety, and communication. Get to know the parents of your
kid's friends. Consider joining or starting a dads' group in your area.
You can learn a lot, find support and camaraderie and enjoy parenting
more when you are friends with other parents.
This article appears courtesy of OneToughJob.org, a parenting website owned and operated by the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund.
| top of page | back | home |
