What It Takes To Be The Best Father
It doesn't matter if you're still waiting for your firstborn or already have three kids in the family, it's never too late to start thinking about what it means to be a good father. Because the truth is, a great dad is always trying to improve himself and be better. But to give you an idea of what that might look like, here are 20 traits of a truly amazing father.
1. He Puts His Kids' Needs Above All Else
It's true what they say: once you become a parent, your world centers around your beautiful children. A sign of a great father is one who truly loves his children and cares about their needs more than anything else. It's about looking out for them, caring for their well-being, and making sure they're happy.
2. He Actively Listens
Active listening is very different from trying to pretend like you're interested or only half paying attention. It means that you're listening with your entire body and also trying to understand and provide constructive responses. Fathers who take the extra effort to ensure they actively pay attention to their kid's concerns, complaints, and random rambles are the best kinds.
3. He Isn't A Push-Over
Children might think a good dad is one that obeys their every command and follows every whim, but it's moreso the opposite that determines a great father. Because a father that cares will do what's best for his kids, making sure that they grow up to be respectful, considerate, and independent adults.
4. He's Dependable
From repairing a flat tire to fixing the kitchen sink or picking you up late at night, the best kinds of fathers are the one you can always count on. Whether there's a problem that needs to be fixed or you just need emotional support to lean on, a dependable dad never fails to be there.
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5. He's Supportive
It's important that parents let their children fly free to explore their own interests, passions, and hobbies. Because at the end of the day, it's going to be their own path that they walk on! Supporting them and letting them know you've got their back when they face struggles and failures is important if you want to express your love for your children.
6. He Strives To Be A Role Model
It's not enough just being a good father who cares for his kids, great fathers take it up a notch: they always try to be the best versions of themselves so their kids can model their behavior. They don't just want to be a parent that loves them, they want to be an adult their kids can look up to and admire and respect.
7. He's Kind To His Kids' Friends
Encouraging your kids to make friends is an important part of helping them feel confident and sociable. After all, no child wants to bring their friends over or introduce them to their parents if they've got a menacing, stone-faced dad waiting at home!
8. He Shows Interest In His Children's Hobbies
Whether your kids take interest in sports, fashion, or games like Pokemon, it means a lot to children when their father takes the extra step to show care in these newfound hobbies. It can be as simple as watching them play or joining in on the fun! It's bound to create unforgettable memories they'll both carry for the rest of their lives.
9. His Treats All His Kids Equally
No favoritism around here! Having a "favorite child" might seem like an innocent thought that every family has, but in reality, it can be very damaging to the kids growing up. That's why fathers should always love each and every child equally and fairly. There's enough to go around after all!
10. He Sets Down Ground Rules
House rules aren't meant to be restrictive, they're meant to teach children what's okay and what's not. Dads that set realistic rules at home help kids to understand what boundaries mean and how to be respectful of others. From simple things like bedtimes to limiting unhealthy snacks, these are all done with love and care.
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11. He Leads With Patience
You shouldn't be surprised that kids can be difficult to deal with - they're still learning to navigate life after all! A good father will always be patient and empathize with their children. They know that they're still figuring things out and that deserves patience and respect.
12. He Uses His Words
Communication is everything, from relationships with friends to your partner and even your children. Instead of closing everyone out, good dads will always do their best with their words to explain how they're feeling. It's good behavior to pass on too! Words mean everything.
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13. He's Always Present
We know being an adult is hard, but being a parent can be even harder. Juggling work to cooking meals and managing schedules is a lot for anyone! But the best dads out there who are trying their best everyday make it a goal to always be present for their kids. It's about asking how their day went, knowing what's going on in their lives, and ensuring their happiness.
14. He Provides For The Family
This doesn't just mean earning money to fund the family, it's also about providing a safe environment for everyone. As the man of the house, a good father will always strive to provide his family with everything they need to function in a healthy emotional, physical, and mental space.
15. He Treats His Wife With Love
Sometimes the best way to teach is through observation. For kids, seeing their mother and father happily in love, caring for one another, and lifting each other up is the best lesson on love and partnership they could ever get. Now that's role modelling behavior to follow.
16. He Participates In Chores
Taking care of the house is something every family member should always take part in. It's absolutely not a role stuck for the mother! To demonstrate both gender equality and that hard work pays off, fathers will participate in multiple chores around the house. It's a team effort keeping homes tidy and clean after all!
17. He's Self-Aware
If you want to be a solid parent, it's all about self-awareness. You have to always remind yourself of the responsibilities and power you hold over your children. They look up to you for guidance and that has to be conscious knowledge you think about every day.
18. He Makes His Kids Laugh
The sound of laughter is a sign of a happy home and a loving family. Being able to share in the good times and making your kids' smile is a precious thing every father holds very dearly. When they put in the effort to make it happen more often, that's a sign of a truly loving dad.
19. He Encourages Independence
If you know that your kids understand you will always be there to help them in moments of need, that's exactly the time to teach them about independence. Being independent doesn't mean you're alone, it just means that you work hard to problem solve. Good fathers will encourage this trait because they understand you have to be your own person first in life before figuring out everything else.
20. He Knows When To Apologize
Just because you're the father figure doesn't mean you're perfect and won't make mistakes! Owning up to your faults, admitting them openly, and apologizing when you're wrong is a massive sign that you're trying your best to be a great father. It takes a lot of courage to accept your wrongdoings, and displaying that bravery to your kids is so so important.
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