11 Tips To Be The Greatest Dad

I am a dad of two young kids- both boys. My older is turning eight this month and the younger just turned six. They, and my thoughtful wife are the reasons why I breathe joy everyday.

To me, no dad in this busy world can be a perfect father. If there’s one, I commend him with all my heart.

Having two young boys with almost the same age like mine is handful. The day runs fast with them without even knowing it. Play here, play there; dad here, dad there; mom here, ah- it’s fun and sweet!

In celebration of Father’s Day, I have some personal tips to be, at least 75% a great dad. Why 75%? The 25% will be yours [ if you're a dad ] to make adjustments or improvement so that you’ll be the GREATEST FATHER! Like me, I am trying. This might be my lifelong promise to put in reality.

1. Respect God. I can’t convinced myself telling “Fear God” but rather teach your children to respect God. Tell them that there is One who is always there, loving them aside from mommy and daddy; who takes away sickness and guides the whole family in the right path. Teach them how to say basic prayer especially before they sleep- thanking Him as well as asking a favor from Him.

2. Show Love. Children want to be loved. They are very dependable in their innocent age. Give them hugs and kisses. Say “I love you” to them everyday. Love them not just because of  what they do but also of who they are as your children. Your blood. Your life. Your children most need your love especially when they are sick. They want to be comforted with your attention. This will help them get well the soonest. Showing love doesn’t mean babying them. You want them to become a little bit more matured each day- like you don’t need to carry them when they can walk; you don’t need to put the spoon in their mouth when they can feed themselves. Teaching them gradually to become independent is a sign of love which they will never forget when you’ll be unable to help them. When they are talking to you, listen to them carefully and try to find out what they are really saying. In that way, they feel that you’re interested to what they like to express.

3. Get Time With Them. What is children or family without time? Children love playing! This will help them to be developed physically, mentally, emotionally, and even socially. If you’re a busy dad like me, plan your off days so that you can have time with them to include your wife to go biking, play soccer or any kind game you think it is good for your children. Go out from the house if possible. Go to beaches or if you want a change of activities, watch movies appropriate for them. Sometimes, you need to have a break from your friends, from your computer or from your literary skills. Face your children and you can see  your smile blends from their faces!

4. Attend To Their Academic Development. If you’re a smart dad, do you believe that your children will nurture that sleeping bloodline without helping them grow academically? Well, if you say yes- well, well; all is well that ends well. But have a time to read books with them, monitor their homework  [don't give answers, though]. If you see some errors, elaborate the problem; give cues to develop their skill of rationalization  to arrive at the right answer. Have a good rapport with their teachers, too, so that you and these teachers bridge the good transfer of learning from school to home and vice versa.

5. Buddy System With Your Wife. A great dad can be greater with mom’s help. You and your wife must help  each other. You support you wife and or your wife supports you in everything for the goodness of your children. You must have a good teamwork with you wife. Review your plans together. Make suggestions. Agree. Respect each other’s decision.

6. Discipline Your Children With Respect. You must correct your children’s behavior with self-control, consistency and fairness. Don’t make rules which you, yourself, will violate these said rules later. If you drink alcohol, or if you smoke, better quit! You cannot be a good model. Be a drug and alcohol free dad. Telling your children not to drink liquor or wine when they grow up but you are doing it right now makes me smile. Telling them not to swear because swearing is a bad thing but you are swearing at them makes me laugh. But never, never stand by your mistake. If you happened to have one. Accept it. Tell them that you should not have done it. Have them realize that to err is human - not perfect, but trying to be. Teach them how to say “sorry” and mean it when they commit errors. If you have misunderstanding with your wife,  solve it as husband and wife in private, not in their presence [ because in family life, it is not always surrounded with blooming flowers]. Don’t ever plant in their young minds that dad and mom hate each other; don’t respect each other,  otherwise both of you are collapsing the foundation that is still beginning to be hardened.

7. Be A Good Husband. Be responsible to yourself as a dad and to your family. Do you remember the times when you make poems in order to win the love of your “apple of your eyes” now your wife? Those bunch of roses to make her smile? Those trays of fruits like mangoes and the like? How sweet. Do the same thing today. Make these days like those days you were still chasing her love. Therefore, do also the chores if your wife cannot do everything- even you’re a dad. Wash the dishes; wash the clothes; clean the house; bathe the children and so on. Sharing responsibilities and helping each other strengthen love. In doing so, your children will appreciate this love that binds the whole family.

8. Protect Your Children And Your Family As A Whole. Not only to protect them from a person who may come to harm them but also to protect them from sickness and to give them financial stability in the future. Assure them of good health insurance. Teach your children how to practice good hygiene . If they are sick, you need to know how to take care of them. Try to get an education plan; life insurance; and set aside savings for your children. As a dad, work hard for your family.

So, dads, are you doing the above stated tips? What about future dads?

I hope I have shared some insights. Thanks.

But wait, did I say 11 Tips To Be The Greatest Dad?  I am sorry. I don’t have the other 3 tips for now, that’s why I am still on the 75% to be the greatest dad. The other 3 tips  will surely come from you because you’re the Greatest Dad. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!