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How to be the best dad in 2014

December 11, 2013 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

The year is drawing to a close and New Year’s is coming. Some people make resolutions based on health, while others focus on financial stability. If they can better themselves in 2014, why can’t dads? Here are some fun tips to make yourself a better dad next year.

Be big, be small
All fathers struggle with the dichotomy of parent-child relationships. Fatherhood is a challenge that evolves every day. One way to improve upon yourself as a dad is to learn when to be involved with your kids and when to take a back seat.

On one hand, you want to be there for your kids whenever they need you, to answer all of their questions. The role of the patriarch is convoluted, twisting down many different paths of influence. Your kids may even expect some kind of infinite paternal wisdom from you. Make sure that when they turn to you in times of need, you are ready to help in any way you can.

On the other hand, you do not want to be so involved that you become invasive. Eventually, you have to let your kids decide things for themselves and find their own answers to hard questions. A few days a week, try to step back from your kids’ problems and let them feel out their own path.

Come home more often
Everyone knows it’s hard out there right now. You need to make a living to support your family, which can call for long hours and weekend trips to the office. Yet it’s important  that you make a conscious effort to disconnect your computer, shut down your phone and ignore all work-related emails when it comes to family.

Dads need to understand that while work is long-lasting, it’s still only temporary. Your family is there for your entire life. As such, nothing is more important than them.

Be a teacher
You don’t need a master’s or doctorate degree to teach your kids important lessons. But be compromising and more lenient with your kids. Rules are necessary for keeping your kids safe and healthy, but they shouldn’t be completely restricting. Teach them right from wrong and watch them go on to be role models for their peers. By demonstrating honesty and humility, you will guide them to a respectful and mature life.

A final thought for dads: it’s their life. Understand that your children are individuals and will probably be very different than you were as a kid. Help them down their paths, but don’t insist on which forks to take.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be Father of the Year candidate in 2014!

Filed Under: Kids

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Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad.

Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

Hacking Life After 50 with Mark Barnes
byPaul Banas

Tune in to this episode with guest Mark Barnes and delve into the topics of finding purpose, setting goals, and navigating life transitions. Mark shares his insights and personal experiences on how dads can continue to thrive and find fulfillment as their children grow up and their own lives shift. From planning for the future to staying curious and staying in shape, Mark provides valuable advice and strategies for dads in different stages of life.

Navigate life’s transitions with purpose and fulfillment by visiting Mark’s website: 10publications.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

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