Whether you’re a first-time father or your child is about to head off to college, remember these tips for building a strong relationship with your kids.
It gets easier
FYI new dads, the first few months are the hardest. When your adorable new baby morphs into a crying-eating-pooping machine and your dying for a full night’s sleep trust us when we say 'things do get easier' as they grow. Be patient and wait it out.
Make every moment count
You will be surprised at how fast time flies. One moment you’re celebrating junior’s first steps and the next you’re watching him pack his bags for college. Spend as much time as you can with your children and live in the moment because as the saying goes, all you’ll have are the memories of times past when he/she is out of the nest.
It’s about quality over quantity
You’re a busy guy trying to balance work, family and other responsibilities and all you really want is a break from Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues. Remember to make sure that during the time you physically spend with your kids, you’re mentally there too! Helping them with their homework and playing games, instead of wondering about the football score or counting down to some precious evening “me time.” We're not suggesting you get no time to yourself. Just work on balancing out your time to accommodate you, your kids and everything in between.
Don’t be the “Invisible Dad”
Whether it’s something as small as reading the Sunday comics together, or catching the game on television – do it together. You don’t want to read baby books to the baby? Mix it up. Make reading the sports page out loud to your buddle of joy. Set aside time every day to spend with your child, making quality time a priority on your list. Don't forget your building fond moments for your child as well as yourself.
Patience, patience, patience
Breathe slowly and count to ten. Kids will drive you crazy most of the time. Just remember that a little patience can go a long way, and reacting to a situation in anger, frustration, or with snap judgments, could possibly blow up in your face later. Maintaining a positive relationship with your child can be tricky at times but a blessing during those tricky teen years. The key is be a fair Dad, not a push over or bully.
Know the affirmative “NO”
Of course you don’t need to be so understanding all the time. 'D' on report card can be maddening when your child didn't try and breaking curfew or house rules also violates the terms of trust and freedom you allow your children. With freedom of choice comes responsibilities – something your kids should pick up early on. Teach them boundaries so that they realize temper tantrums won’t get them their way at home or in the real world. After all, you’ve already tried that.
Model good behaviour
Adults forget that children are very observant. You can bet your three-year-old will sense if mommy and daddy are having troubles, even if the toddler brain can’t extrapolate terms like ‘debt’, ‘death’ or ‘divorce.’
If daddy hits the bottle too often at the end of a hard day, your child is sure to notice. Bad manners, poor behaviour, habits or negative attitude will find their way to the recesses of your child’s brain to be emulated and thrown in your face later. Like father, like son or daughter; model the behavior you want your child to learn.
Treat mom with respect, always
Do you want your son to treat his future partner with respect? Your daughter bring home someone that is loving and supportive to her? Remember treatment and habit they've been objected to as kids will influence and shape the adult version of your child. Treat your wife with respect and the chances your kids bring home someone you could approve of this time could become a reality.
Listen
Listening can be about letting your five-year-old chatter about princesses and power rangers, or it can mean letting your teenager vent about something. Most often though, this is about listening to what’s going on between the lines and your child feeling important to you.
Your little one might be hogging dad’s attention because they’re scared of being usurped by a new baby. What your older kids share with you, or don’t, can be indicative of hidden thoughts or even trouble in school. A good parent knows their kids well, and understands when they might need to step back, or step in.
Love + Fun + Fairness = A Super Dad.
This formula is the core of being a good dad. From bedtime hugs and cuddly love, to punishments and tough love, laughing and joking through it all are the keys to helping you keep your sanity, but at the end of the day, the rest is just details.
CREDITS:
Featured Image:Superdad1.jpeg sweetenyourdayevents.blogspot.com
Image of Dad holding girl: op-cc.ca/?page_id=513
Sources: babycenter.com,webmd.com,artofmanliness.com,fathers.com,psychologytoday.com,zenhabits.net
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