Want to be a Great Dad? Here are 12 Things Cool Dads do
Parenting never comes with instructions; you learn along the way. For most dads, fatherhood can be overwhelming, as they try to wing it, hoping that nothing will go wrong. Families and parenting styles are growing more diverse.
Today, if you ask a dad about the experience with his father, it is likely not the same as with his children. The changing parenting roles are allowing men to respond to their obligations as dads and husbands. To be a great dad, here are cool things to do.
- Play hard with your kids
You are the first friend that your kids know. Some of their best memories will be of the fun activities and games you play together during their childhood. Every cool dad understands the importance of playtime with his kids. It creates quality bonding time and, for this reason, requires a lot of effort and sacrifice to make it possible.
Instead of hanging out on the couch watching television, go outside and play in the yard. No matter how tired you are after work, make use of this time to do something fun with your baby. Dance, jump up and down, and be silly with them.
- Prioritise family
Kids don’t mind what job you have, your accolades or awards, and degrees. What they need is your time, focus, and opinion. To be a great dad, be present and spend time with your family. Although work is essential, learn how to create a balance. This way, your children feel treasured and loved. Attend their school, parent meetings, and games, learn about their interests, and set aside time just to be with them.
- Put the effort into your dressing
In today’s world, your personal image is vital. You should not only show up to work but also to your kid’s school meetings or picking them up. People identify your kids with you; therefore, ensure you dress well for your body type and age. As you age, stick with styles and brands like Versace for men that don’t go out of fashion.
- Keep it real with your family
Disclosing sensitive information is challenging, especially to your children. You never know how much sensitive information to disclose, at what age, and how. Sometimes it can feel like you will instill fear, especially on matters like sexuality, finances, and generally the reality of life. However, being a cool dad requires you to know when to fire off the truth and when it is most suitable.
Keeping it real with your family enables your kids to relate with you on matters that conflict with them and gain knowledge on how to deal with challenges. Apart from talking with your son, you can educate your daughter too on boy issues.
- Respect your children’s opinions
As your children grow, they will start developing their opinions on different matters. Some of them will be cringe-worthy, and you might not agree with them completely. However, as much as it will be tempting to throw out the “cool dad” status, listen to their opinions.
Your teenagers will bounce off with opinions on societal matters, religion, their likes, and dislikes. Instead of dismissing their argument, allow your children to express themselves. Afterward, give your opinion and act as a sounding board as they sort their thoughts.
It is very important that the child has his own opinion. Although you can pass on some knowledge to your child and try to guide him in the right way, it is preferable for professionals to help him in this matter. There are many religious organisations and children’s ministries that will give your child the knowledge of different religions. Moreover, an interactive curriculum for kid’s ministry helps to organise the teaching process in a more interesting way. Through games, interesting pictures, books, and other means, children are involved in the learning process and are given the opportunity to make their own decisions regarding their faith.
- Help with chores
To be a cool dad, don’t always wait until your wife asks for help. Parenting roles are changing, and you should embrace them. On some days, take on the mom duties like making dinner for the family, doing dishes, and bathing the kids.
These activities can be part of bonding time with you and your children as your wife takes a day off. When your kids see you doing the chores, they learn how to be helpful around the house even when you aren’t around.
- Treat your wife right
Apart from taking on chores, respect and treat your wife well always. A happy wife makes a happy home. Your son will also learn how to treat girls with respect, while your daughter will know how boys should treat her. Make decisions with your wife regarding family matters like parenting, take her out, and show her affection. This way, you and your wife become role models to your children.
- Know how to gift your kids
Gifting your kids is a good way to create memories, reward them, and show love. Every child is different and should be gifted accordingly. Whether it’s during their birthday, holidays, or they have made a great achievement, know how to gift them. However, this requires you to learn every child’s interest and what would make them happy.
Remember, you don’t have to go overboard to impress your children or make them happy when it is not possible. Gifts should also not substitute quality time.
- Stay in shape
Parenting is an additional responsibility, and as a dad, you will want to give your family the best things that life has to offer. However, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect yourself, otherwise you won’t be able to take care of your loved ones. Stay in good shape by eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising, and going for regular check-ups.
Staying in shape allows you to be in a good condition to carry out activities, stay in good health, and provide for your family. Your family can also have peace knowing that you’re taking care of yourself.
- Discipline and guide your children with love
Children make a lot of mistakes as they grow; some knowingly, others unknowingly. If you want to be a great dad, you have to accept the fact that your children aren’t perfect. From this point, make it your responsibility to guide them on life matters to prevent mistakes. However, when they make mistakes, discipline them with love.
Although some of their behavior and mistakes will upset you and make you want to yell, show them love when they least expect it.
- Make memories as a family
Kids will always remember the fun memories and traditions that you do as a family when they are young. Before they get old and no longer have the time to spend time with you due to other responsibilities, make time for them. Apart from playing with your kids, create traditions that will last. It could be going on vacation annually, going for walks to the park on Sunday afternoons, or movie nights.
You will be a great dad when you have special activities with every child. If your son likes football or fishing, create time to engage in it with him. Don’t leave out your daughter to do all the fun activities with mom; be part of it and ensure you document these moments.
- Create a safe space for communication
As a great dad, one of the crucial roles you have to play in your children’s lives is being their protector. Sometimes, this means creating an environment where your kids can confide in you or seek your guidance. This is especially the case when your children hit their teen years.
At this age, most children dislike their parents or want their space, especially when they feel like you’re always in their business. Instead of controlling your kids, create an environment where they can come to you when an issue bothers them. Don’t be afraid to show your emotional side; hug your kids, have heart-to-heart talks, and show them love.
Bottom Line
Being a great dad requires you to get out of your comfort zone and start doing some cool things. Some of these entail being present for your kids, playing with them, creating memories, and allowing them to express their opinions. Look after yourself by eating right, dressing well, and exercising. This way, you can take better care of your family.
Remember to be a role model to your children by treating your wife right, taking on chores, guiding, and disciplining them with love. Also, be real with your family on matters about life; allow them to face the hard truths when necessary.
