Good Parenting

Truth be told; fatherhood is not always a sweet and rosy experience. Added to this is the responsibility of training your child to become a responsible adult. To be a better dad, you have to build and maintain a loving relationship with your child. That is the focus of this article.

Example not precept
If you had not said a word all day, what lessons would your child have learned from your actions? Are these the same lessons you try to teach verbally? Words impart only information while actions teach.

Your child may misunderstand you and the advice you give, but he/she would not misunderstand how you act and how you live. So, let your life show him/her the way. DonÂ’t preach about what is right; teach by example.

Show your child by your actions every day the ideal behavior. Your child would rather watch a winner than hear about one. The gist is, your child learns by copying you. By your actions, teach your child how to; give respect, stay humble, be responsible, have confidence and self belief.

Show your child how to give respect. Respect is the key to human relations. No man ever entered into the hall of greatness without winning human relations.

Love
Be a role model not a critic. Start and end your childÂ’s day with love and encouragement. Create a loving home. Give your child a full diet of love every day. Take time out to be with your family. Tell your child that you love him/her.

In situations where your children compete for your love, try to balance the love you have for each. Make sure you are not biased in expressing your affection for them. Loving their mother is the best thing a dad can do for his kids.

Encourage your child to express his/her feelings. Not only does this boosts his/her confidence but also facilitates a positive self-image. Make every effort to win the friendship of your child. DonÂ’t make your childÂ’s life too easy. Give him/her independence to try, to seek his/her destiny.

Hold the reins
Author of Parent Power, John Rosemond, states “Children are quick to learn when their parents are afraid to assert their authority…when it comes to question of ‘Who is the boss?’ If parents won’t run with the ball, children will.”

Define family rules and enforce them promptly. Be a loving but authoritative dad. Support your child yet maintain firm limits. Your child would fare better with clear rules and firm consequences.

When your child does something wrong, put your foot down. However, emphasize your love for him/her. After all, the essence of being a great dad is to lead your child to becoming a responsible adult.

Be the best dad you can be. Remember, you only get one shot at raising your child!

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This entry was posted on Thursday, January 8th, 2009 at 10:01 am and is filed under Good Parenting.