Thoughts for Dads

Dad’s Rules - Ronald L. Klinger, Ph.D

·      The need to work is not an excuse to avoid your role as a parent.
·      Care-giving is essential and is the key that opens the door to trust.
·      When kids and Dad are not linked by trust, kids will become overly dependent upon Mom.
·      A child needs to know and be known by the father.
·      Traditions are a golden opportunity waiting for fathers to reconnect with their children.
·      When father sets and maintains reasonable limits, their children feel secure within the family and behave themselves outside of it.
·      I buy the first one……If you lose it, you pay for the new one.
·      Lectures turn kids off; Humor pulls them in and reduces anxiety.
·      Courage means moving beyond comfort…..helping kids to test themselves and to persevere.
·      Don’t do for children what children can do for themselves.
·      Coach without criticism. Criticism kills self-confidence.
·      As Dad’s demonstrate more patience, their kids become better, faster learners.
·      When Dad’s acknowledge and accept that things are not perfect, they can teach kids to adapt to life’s realities through self-acceptance.

“Everyday I Have My Child to Raise Over Again”
by Diane Loomans

Every day I have my child to raise all over again.
I will build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I will finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I will do less correcting, and more connecting.
I will take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I will care to know less, and know to care more.
I will take more hikes, and fly more kites.
I will stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I will run through more fields, and gaze at more stars.
I will do more hugging, and less tugging.
I will see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I will be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I will model less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.