How can you be a good dad? It can be challenging to be a father. The ups and downs of joy and sadness can feel like a rollercoaster ride. It is the goal of most, if not all, dads to give their kids the best chance at being the best versions of themselves. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world.

As a father, you should strive to do everything possible to raise your children to their full potential.

Understanding and respecting the fact that every child is different and unique is important. Each child will have a different reaction to things, will have varying interests, and will hold different opinions.

Good parents let their children discover their uniqueness and individuality, therefore, do not express disappointment if they have different interests and responses to things than you.

9 Qualities that Make a good Father

1.      Reduce Distractions

In today’s world, it is so easy to get distracted. This is especially true with all the technology that surrounds us today. Cell phones are the biggest distraction that prevents us from connecting with and relating to our children. If not the dad on his cell phone, children are often given a cell phone by their parents to play with or watch something on.

Don\’t let your children compete with technology for your attention. You show them that you value their time by putting down your cell phone and any other form of distraction. When you put that phone down and give them your full attention, you are letting them know that nothing is more important to you than them.

Find a way to eliminate distractions from technology and everything else that is keeping you from connecting with your child.

2.      Play silly

Play with your kids, it’s okay to be silly, goofy, and to be friends with them. Take the time to get to their level. Try to let go of life stressors like work-related stress and worrying about your to-do list.

3.      Discipline is Important for your Children

At an early age, we begin training a child by responding to their actions and attitudes. Children benefit from discipline because it brings stability and structure. It teaches them to be responsible and respectful.

It is your responsibility as a father to help your children learn appropriate human behavior by helping them learn how to conduct themselves in society.

Kids who are not disciplined are often unhappy, angry, and even resentful. People around a child who is not disciplined may find him or her unpleasant company, and a child without discipline may struggle to make friends.

4.      Your Role is to Teach Them

As parents, we need to look for opportunities to teach our children instead of focusing on punishment and restriction. As a father, you are your child’s biggest role model. Use every opportunity to mentor them or guide them in the right direction whenever they step out of line or do something they shouldn’t be doing. Help them navigate the correct path.

Make it a point to relax more, smile more, and show your children that life is about enjoying it and being happy.

5. Feel the Need to be Nosy

Be interested in their day-to-day activities. Especially when kids start going to school, you start spending so much time apart.

During family time, be curious, ask your children about their day, what did they do on their day? What did they eat that day? Did people treat them well? Engage with them. In this way, your children will know that you are actually interested in what they are doing.

6.      Always be the Parent

It’s not uncommon for parents to care about what their kids think of them and focus on being friends when they should be disciplinarians. It is your duty to be their parent, so be their father first and their friend second. Help your kids become completely independent and capable of handling anything life throws at them.

7.      Take Part in Their Extracurricular Activities

Participate in their extracurricular activities. As a result, you will have the chance to connect even more with them, because not only will you be showing them how to interact with other kids, but you will also be letting them know that they are important enough for you to get involved in their activities.

Besides having fun with them, they will have the opportunity to play alongside you, which, not many kids get the opportunity to play alongside their dad!

8.      Engage Them in Your Project

Involvement in your children’s activities is important, but you should also get them involved in your activities. Make your kids part of your projects by giving them simple tasks.

It is a wonderful way for them to learn something new, as well as for you to stay connected to them despite everything else going on in your life.

You will also show your kids that you enjoy their company by involving them in your projects.

Your kids will remember the time you spent working on a certain project together. Make them feel appreciated by thanking them for their assistance.

9.      Teach your Kids that Hard Work Pays Off

You should teach your kids that they are entitled to the things they have worked hard for.

By teaching them to take up every age-appropriate job you give them seriously, you can teach them about commitment and discipline when it comes to working.

We as parents have an obligation to make sure that our kids are self-sufficient and capable of handling whatever life throws at them.

Final Thought

The question that every little boy and girl asks themselves is, do I have what it takes? Or am I good enough? Fathers have the duty to answer these questions for their children. Dads should let their sons and daughters know that they are enough, that they have what it takes, and that you will do everything possible to protect them and to fight for them because they are worth it.

I hope you will find this How to be a good dad guide helpful.