How to be a Dad

There is a lot of talk about how women have maternal instincts and that is enough to lead a woman into motherhood. There is never any discussion about any paternal instinct that a man may have when he becomes a father. The real truth is that despite the few, there are many fathers that do an amazing job as partners and as single fathers. Today, fathers are starting to take more of an active role than in generations before and they want to make sure that they know how to be a dad.

One of the most important things that you need to do in order to be a dad is to be active and present in your child’s life. Everything else can be worked on, but if you are not present to build a relationship with your child then you are not successfully being a good dad. This is just as important as providing monetary support for your child if you are outside of the home. There are some dads today that decide to stay at home with their children, and they should not feel bad about not bringing in money because they are working hard raising their child. Cherish every second with your child because they will grow in a blink of an eye and you want to make sure that you both greatly appreciate this time together.

Another important thing to remember is that you need to be patient. This is one of your strongest resources when dealing with children and one that may deplete quicker than you think or want. They need to you be patient with them, and every parent feels as though they are ready to snap at some moments. If you feel that your patience is starting to go, you should make sure that your child is safe and leave the room to take a deep breath and calm down. You are not doing anyone any favors by losing your temper. The added benefit here is that you are teaching your child patience. You also need to remember a sense of humor. You will be used as a bathroom by your child, among many other embarrassing situations, and you will need to learn how to laugh at the situation.

You and your partner are a team. To be a good dad, you need to share responsibilities in raising a child and support your partner practically and emotionally. If your partner is busy tending to a sick child, you will need to pick up the slack when it comes to cleaning the house or taking care of dinner. This will help teach your child that both parents are equal partners and they will carry this lesson into their own future relationships.  Leading by good example is a great gift to  your child.

These are only a few of the many tips that you can follow in order to be the best dad possible. Children will remember how you were as a dad and will learn from you. This is why it is important to be a present and attentive father.