Men are less prepared than women for parenthood. They only know that life would change once they enter parenthood, but the most important question is, how? Read on to learn about what it means to be a dad.Becoming a dad can be one of the most exciting and thrilling moment of your life, but as soon as you become a dad, expectations from you increase. Recent studies have proved that children whose fathers stayed involved in their academic activities and stayed connected in positive way in almost every aspect of their children’s life, performed better in school, had better psychological and emotional health and they attained higher levels of education and self-sufficiency.
Often dads do not pay attention to spending one-on-one time with their kids and with this they do not just miss out bonding time, but also lots of fun and the golden chance of establishing emotional relationship with their kids. The previous generation dads mostly used to go to work, come back and maintain a distance. Today, being a dad means a lot.
To be a good dad means you have to be present, supportive sympathetic to your child’s needs. Also, you should be a
role model and good discipliner. Here are some guidelines to help you become a good dad.
How to Be a Good Dad?
Have a quick look at the tips for being a good dad.
1. Be There For Your Kids
Children depend on their dads for almost everything and when they know that there dad is present whenever they need him, it is the biggest satisfaction for them. For this you need to
- Take some time out especially for your kids.
- If you have more than one child, spend time separately with each of them.
- If you are tired and you cannot keep your promise of playing outdoor games with your kid, opt for indoor one. It is necessary that you are there with your child.
- Teach your children life skills and other important things they need while growing up and afterwards in life as well.
- Communicate with your child regularly so that your children, especially teenagers do not feel smothered.
- Plan trips with your children so that they have something different to look forward to and they prepare themselves for the fun and enjoyment.
2. Reward Your Kids Aptly
Disciplining your children does not mean
punishing them whenever they make mistakes. This also includes rewarding your kids when they do something good. This will encourage them and they will repeat
good behaviour as far as possible to get praise and admiration from you. However, you should not always give your kids treat or gifts on behaving well because this might make them do things only to get gifts in return.
3. Punish Your Kids Fairly
When you
discipline your children punishment is also one of the necessary parts. Make sure you punish them appropriately. Avoid taking any decision when you are angry.
4. Be Steady with Punishments and Rewards
Make it very clear to your kids about what is right and wrong and not acceptable. Your dealing should be the same no matter whether you are at home, in public or when you are angry. On the other hand if your child does something great, make it certain that you appreciate her and make her feel special even if you are tired or stressed. In short, your decisions should not be influenced by your mood.
5. Be a Role Model for Your Child
Remember, kids do more as they see their parents do as compared to what you say. While doing this you do not have to be a perfect man. So, admit your mistakes and apologize for any mistake you do even in front of your kids. Also, treat your kids’ mother with respect. Do not expect your kids to worship you, instead let them see you as human who wants to do well with them.
6. Spend Some “Me Time”
One of the most important things is to get recharged and this can happen only when you spend some time doing things you like to do. Take enough time out for kids and also keep some time separate for yourself. This will help you relax and get revitalized for everything in life.
7. Deluge Love and On Your Child
While following the above mentioned guidelines you should also keep in mind that your children need unconditional love and affection even when they are grownups. Make them feel special and valued so that they know that your life does not remain same in their absence.
8. Understand Your Kids
Guide your children but let them make their own decisions by being open minded. Remember that time has changed and your kids are not growing up in the same environment you did. Let your children express their feelings and thoughts as well as share their perspectives with you.
9. Have Reasonable Expectations From Your Kids
There are different types of pressures in a child’s life. Help your child understand her desire and make her aware of her limitations and capabilities in a positive way so that she feels encouraged to meet her objectives of life with full potential.
10. Father’s Work is Never Done
If you think that when your child becomes an adult and earns her graduation degree your work is over, you are wrong. It is good to let your child become emotionally and financially independent, but at the same time you should also care and be present whenever your child needs you. Make your child feel valued in every walk of life.
In addition to keeping in mind the above guidelines, you should be patient on everything you do for your kids and with your kids. Listen to them and talk to them always. Show your love through actions as well as words. Being a good dad is one of the most important and challenging tasks. Believe in yourself that you can do this very well.
What does it really mean to be a dad? What are the important responsibilities of fathers? How can dads be more involved with kids? Discuss here.
