This may be a bit late, but it is never too late to talk about the importance of fathers. I ran across this article on the KNOW! Drug Free Action Alliance website: http://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know.
Make Sure Father KNOWs Best!
This Father’s Day we wanted to give dads the gift that will keep
on giving. That is, we want to help you become the best father
you can be to your children. A child whose father is actively and
positively engaged in his/her everyday world is much more likely
to lead a happy, healthy, productive life, free from substance
abuse.
According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, among the
greatest things you can do for your children:
Respect Your Children’s Mother : whether or not the two of you
are together): This will allow your children to feel more accepted
and respected as well.
Spend Time With Your Children: Your priorities are seen by the
way your time is spent. Let your children know they are your
priority.
TALK Early and Often: When you tell your children you want to
talk to them, do they cringe because it means they’re in trouble?
Dads should be talking regularly with kids about the good
stuff too.
Discipline with Love: Be clear in setting your family rules/
consequences and be consistent in your follow through. Expect
and reward desirable behavior, but be prepared for a rule or two
to be broken. When it happens, remain calm and stick to your
game plan.
Be a Positive Role Model: As the first male figure in her life, a
father has the unique opportunity to show his daughter that she
is valued, loved and that she deserves to be treated with dignity
and respect. A father also has the unique opportunity to show
his son how to be a “good man,” through honesty, integrity, humility
and responsibility.
Be a Teacher: Teach your children what is right and wrong and
always encourage them to strive for their personal best. Again,
your own actions will speak volumes to your children.
Show Affection: Tell your children you love them and wrap your
arms around them each and every day. A father’s affection
equates to children feeling wanted, accepted and loved.
KNOW! that a Father’s Job is Never Done: Even as adults, children
look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Use the opportunity
when your children are young to build and strengthen a
relationship that will last a lifetime.
This Father’s Day we celebrated and appreciated the many fathers
and father-figures who are positively influencing, actively encouraging
and unconditionally loving and supporting their children
and families. The significance of all fathers is immense.
The impact of a good and loving father is immeasurable.
Happy Belated Father’s Day!
Source: KNOW! Drug Free Action Alliance
Please send this on to the fathers you know, and to their wives, too!