My top ten dad tips
I am a dad of five children. I suppose that would make me an expert on parenting.
In truth I’m not in the slightest, but I have learnt a few things in the last 20 years or so.
1. Always listen to your children. It only takes a second and in that moment what you can offer will hopefully stay with them forever.
2. Play with your children. Involve yourself in their games and interaction while playing with toys etc. It’s a great way for them to learn.
3. Always try to be home for bedtime and there when they wake in the morning. It gives them a continuity in their lives.
4. I don’t believe in smacking. I don’t think it achieves anything except making the child even more upset and to be honest I think the parent feels bad after doing it.
5. Have family time which could mean sitting down together to have a meal or watch a film together.
6. Never dismiss your children. They have an opinion and you should respect that after all you like to be listened to as well.
7. As your children get older and are leading busy lives make sure you ring or text to say hello and ask if everything is ok, do you need to talk about anything etc. Do they have any worries? Just because they are getting older doesn’t mean they don’t like your advice now and again.
8. Always give them a cuddle and kiss. Make them feel secure and don’t be afraid to to show them how much you care for them.
9. Take your children on trips to the zoo, farm etc to learn all about different parts of life.
10. My final tip is to love them and never take them for granted. Always be there for them in good and bad times and enjoy being a dad because it’s the best job in the world.
All of the tips are just things I have learned being a dad and I realise what works for me doesn’t necessarily work for everybody.
13 Comments
Sunshine Dad
May 2, 2015 at 3:27 am
These are some great tips. It's so easy to take your kids for granted I think. It's important to take a step back and appreciate them, especially while they are little, because before we know it they'll be grown up. Thanks for linking to #BigTopBlogParty
Ashley Beolens
May 2, 2015 at 12:11 pm
These are great words of advice, all of them, and as far as I am concerned you are more of an expert than most (it always amazes me how some people speak like they know everything about parenting when they have a 6 month old child and that is it, personally I think if you've got a child from birth to adulthood you know what you are talking about).
Paul Davis
May 2, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Listening to your children is so important. I would amend that with advice to take time to be with your kids when they are sick or in pain.
Beth Gault
May 9, 2015 at 9:50 am
Hey, we loved your post here – would you be interested in writing a guest post for us on our blog Raise Magazine? Tweet us @raise_magazine if you're up for it!
LadyBug Home & Design
June 1, 2015 at 7:49 am
Lots of good advice. I can not imagine my children being teenagers but I love your tip to make sure to text them to check that they are doing okay. My daughter is still little but she loves it when everyone stops talking to just listen to her share her ideas with us with anyone interrupting. Thank you for linking up #FathersDay2015
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)
June 1, 2015 at 9:11 am
Ah these are fabulous tips. Listening, making family time together and showing your children they are loved are so important. Thanks for linking up to #FathersDay2015 🙂
Adelaide Goffin
June 6, 2015 at 10:21 am
Lovely tips, great blog =]
Love is Blind
June 17, 2015 at 12:50 pm
A lovely post, great tips x
Kim Carberry
June 18, 2015 at 12:50 pm
These are fantastic tips! What a lovely post x
Random Musings
June 21, 2015 at 12:38 am
Great tips. I especially like number 7 I often hear parents moaning their kids haven't called or visited, but then they go on to say they haven't called or visited their kids either. It works both ways! #Fathersday2015
Debbie (My Random Musings)
Ashley Beolens
June 29, 2015 at 11:40 am
Great set of tips (still) thanks for linking up with #dadpostoftheweek appreciate it 🙂
Laura (Mind Mood Mommy)
August 1, 2015 at 7:21 am
What a lovely list of tips! It's so easy to forget the little things. Thanks so much for linking up to #SuperparentSaturday 🙂
Rachel @ Parenthood Highs and Lows
August 2, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Some fantastic tips – especially making sure you always listen to them. I hate seeing parents ignore their kids, when they have so much to tell us! Thanks for linking up to #SuperparentSaturday