The first year of a child's life is the most crucial time for Dad's to be present and loving and hugging his child. According to clinicians in the first year of birth babies relate to behaviors not language.
The most important thing a father can do for his children is to develop a strong relationship with their mother and with his children. Relationship is what separates the strong family from the dysfunctional family. A child needs a strong relationship with his/her father far more than he/she needs their father's resources.
Children need to have boundaries set by their father in order to know he cares. Father's need not be their child's best friend, particularly if it affects his ability to dole out punishment when appropriate. A father needs to be present at his children's extra-curricular activities. Doing so further strengthens the bond of their relationship and re-affirms the child of dad's support. Dad's need to assure their children that regardless of what error they may make, they need to come to him first: "I may not condone what you did, but you will have my unconditional love regardless. Please don't let me learn about an incident from another person."
When a father communicates with his children (communication does not equal lecture and communication implies two or more people engaged in conversation) they develop a stronger character and self-esteem. Studies have shown that when the father communicate effectively and accompanies his children to church they are much more likely to continue attending church as adults.
Positive feedback from a dad makes a huge difference. Example?Many young men in prison were told repeatedly by their dad that they were losers and would end up in jail someday. Conversely many successful athletes and professionals were constantly reminded of how good they were doing, what great potential they had and I'm here to help you be the best you can be?always.
I am not a sociologist or a clinician but I have 34 years of experience working with teens and pre-teens as a coach, teacher and mentor. I have successfully applied what I preach with my own children, Ann Marie (22, a teacher) and Anthony (16, an academic/athlete and mentor) who are my co-authors on the subject. We have spoken publicly at retreats, schools and churches. For more info visit our web site www.lunchbagnotes.com or call us at 818.991.8633.
Ann Marie is an Author and Speaker along with her dad, Al and brother, Anthony, who is a senior at Agoura Hills High School in Agoura Hills, CA. She is also a first time teacher; she will be teaching the 6th grade at St. Jude's Catholic School in Westlake Village, CA.
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don't consider... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Q. I don't like my children spending so much time... Read More
Diapers..Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
Does your child pout, blame and brood? Does he gripe,... Read More
Every school year parents and students dutifully trudge through the... Read More
Spare the rod, spoil the child!This philosophy's been around a... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
Here is something that you might want to keep if... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
"Money is tight, and my husband's obsessed with doing everything... Read More
on demand house cleaning Arlington Heights ..What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
The successful preschool idea behind many successful preschool learning centers... Read More
Imagine having no television for an entire season. Such was... Read More
You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
Teri was 5. As younger siblings do, she looked up... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More
Beyond cases reported to authorities, little knowledge exists on the... Read More
Just the other day, I was talking to some other... Read More
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD,... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
An address given by Rev. David B. Smith... Read More
There are many parenting styles. Yours may be very different... Read More
The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty... Read More
1. They are leaders as well as parents. They don't... Read More
The initial state of happiness about an own child is... Read More
As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
Here's the scene of communication with your child: your three-year-old... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
Parenting |