8 Lessons All Dads Should Teach

When I borrow material from another source for use in this segment I always give credit because it’s the right thing to do and frankly I’m not all that creative. A piece titled “8 Lessons All Dads Should Teach” caught my attention in this month’s MEN’S HEALTH magazine.

1. Words are valuable. Your kid is listening so speak up. In families with two working parents, fathers have a greater impact in their children’s language development by age 3 than mothers do.

2. Tantrums earn you nothing. When your kid starts carrying on, be calm and attentive but don’t give in. Show you won’t be rattled and the child won’t win…ever. If may take a few tantrums but eventually this method will work.

3. Competition leads to confidence. It’s natural by age 4 for children to start competing with their parents, even if it’s just a short sprint to the car. Let them win most of these early but then pick up the pace and show them you have to work hard to have success.

4. Quitting is hard. Show kids the pain in quitting. An example would be if they want to leave a team then make them do so publically in front of their teammates and coach. Or of they find a school project too difficult then suggest they tell the teacher they can’t do it and will take a poor grade. Likely they will find a way to work though this.

5. Other people’s feelings matter. Get their perspective on things and try and make them think.

6. Fights can be resolved. The idea is to make them think about compromise and not simply take their side every time.

7. Independence is earned. Say they want to stay out later than their normal curfew. Ask them what is a good time and if you don’t like the answer than say no. Children develop stronger morals when parents give them freedom and responsibility.

8. Success requires focus. Make sure your children know your expectations. Celebrate improvement and let them focus on mastering one skill at a time.