(1) Engages with his kids even when it’s boring or hard
(2) Stays on top of the child’s needs, eg. schooling, scheduling, and information
(3) Teaches by both example and correction, eg. treating others respectfully, waiting your turn, taking stewardship of your environment, responsibilities before play, etc.
(4) Makes time for his family. This one can be hard for dads, but your child gains a lot of emotional safety and stability just from being in the same room as you.
(5) In general, I think living your own life well is the key to being a good parent. Have your own interests and friends, take care of your physical and mental health. If you are not healthy and happy, your child is not going to be healthy and happy. Parental sacrifice is sometimes necessary but shouldn’t be the default.
In modern times, with the huge focus on 1-4, I think #5 is the real nugget of gold. Sometimes it’s more important to actually show kids the elements of a good life than anything else. Plus if you live a good life you’ll be a better person/father to be around.
Certainly you can go too far. But if you’re not being an absentee father then don’t neglect the importance of showing how to live a good life by example rather than through instruction alone.
(1) Engages with his kids even when it’s boring or hard
(2) Stays on top of the child’s needs, eg. schooling, scheduling, and information
(3) Teaches by both example and correction, eg. treating others respectfully, waiting your turn, taking stewardship of your environment, responsibilities before play, etc.
(4) Makes time for his family. This one can be hard for dads, but your child gains a lot of emotional safety and stability just from being in the same room as you.
(5) In general, I think living your own life well is the key to being a good parent. Have your own interests and friends, take care of your physical and mental health. If you are not healthy and happy, your child is not going to be healthy and happy. Parental sacrifice is sometimes necessary but shouldn’t be the default.
In modern times, with the huge focus on 1-4, I think #5 is the real nugget of gold. Sometimes it’s more important to actually show kids the elements of a good life than anything else. Plus if you live a good life you’ll be a better person/father to be around.
Certainly you can go too far. But if you’re not being an absentee father then don’t neglect the importance of showing how to live a good life by example rather than through instruction alone.