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
Justin Norman
Profile: Stephanie writes "My husband is truly a wonderful man. I have 2
children from a previous marriage and their father has nothing to do
with them. I met my husband when my babies were 1 and 9, they are now 3 and 11. My babies call him daddy. If it was not for him they would have
no sense of what a father was. My husband took on this responsibility at
23 years of age. He works 60 hours a week and has allowed me to quit
work and stay at home full time and go back to school and still finds
time to coach our 11 year old at every sport she plays.. (Literally all
year round) He is such a kind,gentle soul. I have always heard the
saying 'It takes more of a man to raise someone elses kids than it does
you own" well I am here to tell you that I have the man that every
single mother in the world dreams about. I recently had a miscarriage
and I was an emotional wreck and Justin told me that we were selfish for
trying because we already had 2 perfect children. He honestly loves me
and these babies more than himself and I never even knew that could
exist."
Volunteer Involvement: Active in church events, coach youth athletics.
Profession: Iron Worker
Education: High School
Children: A 11 year old girl and a 3 year old boy
Fun Q & A with our Spotlight Dad:Personal:What phrase or motto do you live by? Live life to the fullest, you never know when it may end
Inspiration: God and my family
If you could teach your kids one thing and have it impact them, what would it be? To always do your best and never give up.
How do you measure success? By the joy in my childs face
Greatest Accomplishment: Hearing the word daddy come out of my sons mouth
Proudest Moment: Hearing the word daddy come out of my sons mouth
Biggest Challenge: Knowing that everything I do and say will have an impact on my childrens lifes and making sure that it is always a positve thing that I do to allow them to become positive adults
Wildest Dream: To be able to pack up and go on a deep sea fishing trip with my wife and kids who have been pleading for it and not have to worry about the financial obligation.
Sport/Exercise Program: I coach my daughters softball and basketball team. We have traveled all summer because she made the allstar team and I was lucky enough to be able to coach her.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I really am cool! LOL
Where did you grow up: Abita Springs, La
How many siblings: 1
First Job: Working on my grandpas horse farm
Childhood Ambition: To be just like my grandpa
Favorites:Favorite Local Restaurant: Acme oyster house
Favorite Coffee Spot: Home
Favorite Soundtrack/song: Simple Man
Favorite Movie: Ernest goes to camp
Favorite TV Show: Home Improvment
Retreat: Anywhere fishing with my family. My kids love it.
Last Book You Read: The owners manual to put my grandmas excercise bike together
Indulgence: Reeses cups
Tell us about a product or item that you can't live without as a parent Cell phone because I want to always be there in case my family needs me.
Your Perfect Day: Anywhere with my family.
Other:What inspires you to go to work every day? The fact I know I am doing it for my family
[Step-Parent] Your advice/tips to other step-parents? Love them and treat them as they are your own. They look up to you and need you as much as you need them.
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...
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