Tips for Being a Good Dad
• Start Early, Never Stop
It is never too early to talk, tickle, caress, kiss, and play with your child - the sooner, the better.
• Realize That No One Is a Natural
No one is born a dad or mom.
• Respect Your Children's Mother - One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother
• Spend Time with Your Children
How a father spends his time tells his children what's important to him. If you always seem to busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children. Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are forever lost.
• Earn the Right to Be Heard
All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong. Take time and listen to their ideas and problems.
• Discipline with Love
All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits.
• Be a Role Model
"All the world's a stage..." and a father plays one of the most vital roles.
• Be a Teacher, Teach by Example
Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life.
• Eat Together as a Family
• Have More Awe, Less Frustration
The quicker you can become familiar with what is realistic to expect of your son or daughter as they grow - physically, intellectually, and emotionally - the more you will revel in the joy of the father/child relationship
Realize that a Father's Job Is Never Done.
"10 Ways to Be a Better Dad" brochure, National Fatherhood Initiative - www.fatherhood.org; Dad's Make a Difference.
MVP Dad
Andy Old
Profile: My husband's name is Andy Old and I think he is a great husband and an awesome father! He always knows how to make Ashtyn, our 10-month-old baby boy, grin and giggle. But the reason I think he's such a great dad is because of his devotion to Ashtyn (and me, as Ashtyn's mother). He is a very hard worker, and even though times have been tough, he always makes sure we are taken care of. He works full-time and attends online classes averaging 15 hours a semester. He faithfully gets up with the baby in the early morning, gets him ready, and takes him to daycare so that I can have my mornings for myself. I try to praise him often but he never really acknowledges it - he says he's just being a husband and father and doesn't deserve any praise for it. He has the "my work is never done" attitude and I admire him so much for that. His silly jokes, love for his family, big brown eyes, and never-give-up attitude make me think he's really great, and I would love for someone else to recognize him for what a great guy he truly is.
Submitted by Jenny Old, Andy's Wife
Volunteer Involvement: Between having a baby, working full-time, and going to school full-time, I have not been able to volunteer my time lately. However, when things slow down a bit, I'd love to help out with children's projects at my church.
Profession: wireless retail consultant for a local Alltel store
Education: graduated from Parkway High School; received Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems from BPCC; currently working towards Bachelor's Degree in General Studies with a minor in Computer Science from NSU (I hope to obtain teacher certification once I get my degree so I can teach children.)
Children: one son named Ashtyn, 11 months
Fun Q & A with our Spotlight Dad:Personal:What phrase or motto do you live by? "Don't give up. Don't ever give up."
Inspiration: setting goals and achieving them - knowing that the end result of my hard work will be my reward
If you could teach your kids one thing and have it impact them, what would it be? I would teach my son to always make the best grades possible. They always come back up in the future. I would also teach him how to play a variety of sports so he can choose the one he likes the most and is best at.
How do you measure success? There is really no measure of success for me. I once saw a poster in the gym that said: "The road to success has no finish line."
Greatest Accomplishment: getting a degree, moving out on my own, and starting a family
Proudest Moment: meeting my life partner and seeing my son for the first time
Biggest Challenge: trying to be the best father I can be and time management
Wildest Dream: going to Venice and eating some real Italian food
Sport/Exercise Program: I like basketball, and although I haven't been in a while, I like going to the gym.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? Most people know right away that I'm not from around here, but some people are interested to find out I am half Asian.
Where did you grow up: Atwater, California - My dad was in the military so that brought us to this area.
How many siblings: one older sister named Soo
First Job: retail sales at a gaming store
Childhood Ambition: I always wanted to be a monster truck driver!
Favorites:Favorite Local Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings, without question
Favorite Coffee Spot: I do not like coffee--at all!
Favorite Soundtrack/song: "Where Have All The Good Times Gone" by Van Halen
Favorite Movie: "Uncle Buck"
Favorite TV Show: ESPN Sportscenter
Retreat: The gym is a great stress reliever.
Last Book You Read: "What Every Christian Ought To Know-Day by Day" by Adrian Rogers - It sits on my bedside table.
Indulgence: pizza with all the toppings, hold the anchovies
Tell us about a product or item that you can't live without as a parent Baby wipes! They can be used for everything!
Your Perfect Day: one where I can sleep in and not have to worry about all the things I have to get done
Other:What inspires you to go to work every day? I know that working each day is what helps me to provide for my family. It is part of God's bigger plan for my life.
Each month we feature a GREAT Dad in our community. We want to acknowledge Dads for all that they do for our families. Suggest a dad by emailing us at info@sbfamilies.com.
Past profiled dad...
