Lifestyle /
Tips To Make You A Super Dad
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
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
