The Best Dad You Can Be: How Do Dads Grow?
There’s something special about being a dad and spending time with your kids. Not just the warm fuzzy feelings you get when they look up at you with their big brown, blue, black or green eyes.
Or the pride you feel when they come home from their first day of school with an award-winning smile and tell you how much they love you. It’s deeper than that. Research has shown that being a dad can actually change how your brain develops.
That is because it leaves you with more gray matter in areas related to social cognition, emotional control, self-regulation, and empathy.
Show your love
The best way to show your love is by spending time with them. This cannot be said a better way and there is actually no substitute for spending quality time with your kids. This is one time that they pay attention.
They are moments that will last time for a lifetime. Playing games, going on adventures, and just being there for them when they need you are all great ways to show your love. Plus, dads are fun! They make the best tickle monsters and can always turn a frown upside down.
But becoming a dad isn’t always easy. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s one that I’m grateful for. Every day I get to be a part of my kids’ lives and watch them grow is a good day. I absolutely love being their dad and I am grateful to be able to be that to them.
Meet your kids halfway
Being a dad is all about being a team player with your kids.
It’s not just about having fun, but also getting things done and being there for your kids when they need you.
That’s why I loved my dad, and still, cherish all he did for and with me. He always tried his best to meet me halfway, helping me through almost anything I brought to his attention when I needed it . He gave me space I needed while still being there to support me.
That’s why my dad will always be one of the best dads ever.
Teach them what they need to know
Being the best dad you can mean teaching your kids what they need to know. And what do they need to know?
They need to know that dad is fun, that dad gets it, and that dad loves them. They also need to know that becoming a dad is a wonderful thing. There are so many things I love about being their dad. Like watching them learn, laughing with them, and teaching them new things.
Teaching my kids what they need to know makes me a better person too. I have become more patient and more understanding. Dads will most time get it in ways moms don’t always get it. I think so because as dads, we have that male perspective on life – we have been taught to fix stuff.
Give them space when they need it
One of the best things you can do as a dad is to give your kids space when they need it. It shows that you respect their boundaries and that you understand that they’re growing up and need some independence.
We don’t want our kids to be fully dependent on us as that could easily become overbearing. It also takes away the joy in the relationship. Plus, giving them space gives you some time to miss them! My dad was really supportive and helped me out when I was struggling. Dad really gets it.
Help them build character
One thing I treasure about being a dad is that I get to help my kids grow into strong, character-filled people.
I love seeing the joy in their eyes when they learn something new or do something for the first time. I’m always striving to be the best version of myself–so that I can be the best dad possible for my kids.
It’s easy to be too busy to play catch with them or listen to them tell a story. So far, it seems like they’re doing okay.
As a parent, it’s important to keep an eye on your children and make sure you’re not giving them any bad habits you want them to break later on down the line.
We all know how easy it is for our kids to see us doing things we shouldn’t and decide that’s what they should do too! It is a fact that our kids learn and copy our examples faster than the verbal directions that we give them.
So to help your kids to develop character and become great adults one day, set good examples and give them all the love you can!
Check out this article on how to help your kids Develop Confidence
Don’t forget about taking care of yourself.
This is very true, especially for new dads, but seasoned dads. It is easy to get so wrapped up in being a dad that you forget to take care of yourself.
But it’s important to remember that your kids are watching you and they learn from what you do. If you want them to be happy and healthy, you need to model that behavior for them.
That means among other positive habits, eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your mental health.
When you take care of yourself, you’re not only setting a good example for your kids, but you’re also making sure that you’re around for them as long as possible.
Have a sense of humor about yourself and others.
Kids are always growing and changing, and dads need to be able to change with them.
That’s why I love my dad – he’s always able to make me laugh, no matter the circumstance. He knew how to have a sense of humor about himself and others, and that made life a lot more fun.
That is one of the significant aspects of him that will always be in my heart.
Being humorous and allowing myself to be silly with my kids allows me to set a good example for my kids and helps them learn how to deal with difficult situations.
Becoming the best version of yourself as a dad will take patience and being ok with not being the specialist at all things. We want our children to have a real sense of who, as well as what their dad is.
Click here to get more tips on becoming the dad your kids need.