Ten Ways To Be A Great Dad

BY BART SMITH, AUTHOR OF B.S. THE BOOK

"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."
– George Herbert (1593-1633)

I'm sure that quote holds true for mommies too! Listen, here's the straight deal when it comes to moms and dads. If you're reading this, no matter your age …

(1) Be there. Don’t be absent. Get involved. Show up. Kids do …

(2) Hug your children. Tell them you love them very much. They will sleep well at night and dream the most beautiful dreams.

(3) Spend time with your children. Involve yourself in their lives. They have no one but you to guide them.

(4) Read to your children. Educate them. Help them grow intellectually and academically.

(5) Listen to your children. They are people too, have minds of their own and want to be heard. Hear them.

(6) Teach your children the proper ways to live: respect others; listen first; speak next; knock on doors before entering rooms. You know, the basics!

(7) Encourage and motivate your children to be the best they can possibly be and without judgment whether they make it or not.

(8) Never favor one sibling over another. They’re all gifted, talented and beautiful. Each needs to be favored!

(9) When disciplining, be fair, be calm and be understanding.

(10) Be an excellent role model. Your children look up to you. Make it easy for them to do so.

… and above all, send them to bed laughing every night. If you can do it in person, or over the telephone (because you're far, far away), then do it! Sending them to bed smiling and laughing sends dreams of joy all throughout their brains at night! A good thing, trust me …

"Children soon forget their presents, but they 
never forget your presence." – Timeless Truth