7 Ways To Be The Best Dad You Can Be

There are no such things as perfect parents; we will all have days where we feel as though we have failed, and there will always be times when we wish we had done things differently. Don’t worry, though. There are many ways to be a good dad, or even a great one. When you’re being the best father you can be, those bad days won’t seem quite so bad because you know that there will be plenty of good ones ahead. So here are just a few of the ways that you can be a fantastic parent and someone that your children look up to. 

Set Limits 

Being a good father does not mean letting your kids do whatever they want and not giving them any boundaries. Although you may feel mean, giving your children limits is one of the best things you can do for them. Remember that children love to have boundaries (even if they do like to test them) because the world can be a strange and confusing place; boundaries help them to make sense of it.  

Although limits are good, try not to make them so strict that your children are unable to express themselves. They need to be able to discover who they are and what they enjoy without being told – they need to work out how to be independent too. That means letting your children do the things they are capable of, even if it’s difficult for you and even if you desperately want to help them out. 

Be Good To Yourself 

If you want to take good care of your children and set a good example, you need to be good to yourself first (or as well as). Neglecting your own health will not help your children in any way and, should something happen to you, it could affect them negatively for many years to come. So you need to make sure you get enough sleep and eat a well-balanced diet. Exercise is also a good idea – perhaps you can find a sport or hobby to do with your children? Sometimes it takes some professional help to get you back on track if you haven’t been taking care of yourself very well, and booking an appointment with a doctor or therapist, for example, can help you be a better, more present, more healthy father. 

Have Quality Time 

Often the only thing that a child will want from their parents is their time, so carving out some quality time with your kids can really help you be a great parent. This can be as simple as playing with your children, whether that be outside in the yard, in a playground, spending time together looking at road bicycle reviews ahead of your next big purchase, playing a board game, or something entirely made up in the house. Reading together is another great way to spend quality time with one another. When your children are little, you can read to them, and as they get older, they can read to you – or you can both read your own books snuggled up together. Whatever you do, making memories for your child to look back on with fondness is a wonderful thing to do. 

Be A Good Role Model 

Young children learn a lot about how to behave by seeing their parents. The younger they are, the more they will pick up on your signals. Before you lash out or lose your cool in front of your kid, consider this; is this how you want your child to act when they are angry? Be mindful that your children are continuously watching you. According to studies, children who hit out generally have an aggressive role model at home. 

Model the qualities you want your children to have; respect, honesty, kindness, tolerance, and respect. Demonstrate selflessness. Do something for others without expecting anything in return. Be grateful and provide praises. Above all, treat your children the way you would want others to treat you.

Make Communication A Priority 

You can't expect your children to do everything just because you, as a parent, want them to. They, like adults, will be looking for and deserve answers. If we don't take the time to explain, our children will begin to question our beliefs and reasons and if they have any foundation at all. At this point, they might start to act out. Reasoning with children, explaining everything to them, allows them to understand and learn in a nonjudgmental manner.

Make it clear what you expect. If there is a problem, discuss it, share your thoughts, and allow your child to collaborate with you on a solution. Make recommendations and provide options. Be receptive to your child's ideas as well. Negotiate. Children who are involved in decision-making are more likely to carry the tasks out. In other words, communicate as often and as openly as possible. 

Be Flexible 

If you often feel disappointed by your child's behavior, it's possible that you have unreasonable expectations. Parents who think in terms of ‘should’ (for example, "My child should be potty-trained by now") may benefit from reading more on the subject or speaking with other parents or child development professionals. 

Because children's settings influence their behavior, you may be able to modify that behavior by changing the environment. If you find yourself saying no to your children all the time, look for ways to change your environment so that fewer items are off-limits. This will make things easier for both of you. Your parenting approach will have to evolve as your kid grows. What works for your kid today may not work as well in a year or two.

Show Unconditional Love 

You are accountable as a parent for correcting and guiding your children. However, how you offer helpful feedback makes a significant impact in how a youngster absorbs it. 

When confronting your child, avoid accusing, condemning, or finding fault, since these actions erode self-esteem and lead to resentment. Instead, even while punishing your children, attempt to nourish and encourage them. Make it clear to them that, although you hope for and expect better the next time, your love is always there.