I believe that for a man with children, striving to be a great father should be his highest purpose. Unfortunately, the macho messages men receive in our society makes this a difficult task. For over 40 years, I have been working on being a good dad, studying fatherhood, and writing about what it means to be a man. Here are a few of the key lessons I have learned about how to be a great dad.
- Learn how each of your children likes to be loved, and love them accordingly.
- Spend ample time with each of your children and give them the gift of your full attention.
- Treat your partner in a way that models for your children how to respectfully treat women.
- Have a discussion with your partner about how she perceives you as a parent.
- Quit a bad habit and tell your children and about your intention.
- Make peace with your own father.
- Work daily to understand yourself.
- No matter what the circumstances, show up, be fully present in your children’s lives.
- Enjoy each child for how the child is, not how you wish them to be.
- Work with your partner to be a good parental team, even if you are separated or divorced.
- No matter your age or your child’s age, tell them that you love them – and why – whenever and wherever you can with words, gifts, encouragement, time, and touch.
- Remember that bringing a child onto this earth is your opportunity for the most meaningful, rewarding, and enjoyable experience of your life.