It’s never too late to start being a better dad. Do you typically make New Year’s resolutions? You know, the ones where you decide to start fresh and resolve to lose weight, give up junk food and establish a savings strategy. While you are reflecting on past bad habits and setting new directions for your personal life consider taking stock of your parenting as well.
Fatherhood and marriage are two of life’s most important roles. As we navigate the intricate web of family life, it’s natural to reflect on our actions and aspire to become the best versions of ourselves. Just as we set New Year’s resolutions to improve our personal lives, it is equally crucial to take stock of our parenting and spousal journey.
In this article, we present a comprehensive list of 25 amazing resolutions for fathers to enhance their roles as devoted dads and loving husbands. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and sometimes, we may feel inadequate as we learn through trial and error.
But remember, it is never too late to start being a good father and husband. By taking an actionable step by implementing these practical suggestions, and embracing the power of the little things, we can create lasting happiness and stronger family relationships.
These resolutions cover ‘the simple things’, from establishing consistent discipline and communication to finding time for quality family moments and personal growth. By being present, actively involved, and serving as positive role models, we can forge strong bonds with our children and spouses, fostering an environment of trust, love, and open communication.
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A Real-Life List of How to Be a Better Dad
A word of caution: if you reflect on some of your prior behaviors, you may feel a little inadequate. The majority of parents nag their children excessively, respond harshly when they make mistakes, and later regret not spending enough time with them. I wrote this as a ‘resolution’ list but you should not wait for the right time to get these done…do ’em now!
Take it easy on yourself. Parenting is not only the hardest job in the world, but since children don’t come with owner’s manuals, we frequently rely on trial and error or ask Google for help.
As you reflect on the upcoming twelve months of fatherhood. Here are 25 Better Father Resolutions to try to implement in your never-ending great father quest. Don’t try to implement every suggestion. Be sensible and add one or two to your list of habits and goals for the new year.
25 Amazing Dad Resolutions to Try Now
1. Keep your discipline consistent
This is a biggie! Every family is different, and every dad is different. It’s up to you to find the right balance. Even the most confident dads find their tolerance and willpower tested by misbehavior.
Even with teenagers, establish clear limits and boundaries, and be prepared to bargain and give a little ground. Act calmly and sensibly rather than using harsh punishment to teach children a lesson when they refuse to cooperate or break the rules.
2. Refrain from Nagging about cooperating or shouting at them
Sometimes it’s preferable to remain silent than constantly nagging or reminding them to do their tasks, behave, or just be decent people. It is not a surprise that nag-prone parents frequently complain about their deaf kids. The majority of the time, children’s hearing is normal.
All they do is hear what they want to hear. Think of your boss, if he/she nags you up the wall, how will you react?
3. Pay attention to the good behaviors
Try to overlook the inappropriate as much as you can. If you find yourself bringing up your children’s misbehavior repeatedly and getting nowhere, begin rewarding positive behavior in them. Like adults, children respond to favorable comments and are likely to adopt behaviors that gain their attention.
Remember you’re trying to be a better dad not playing correctional officer.
4. Consistently encourage them
For every word of praise or encouragement, youngsters at home are said to hear 17 negative ones. Those are depressing numbers. That number is surely not happening at my house. Continuous exposure to criticism and unfavorable remarks can seriously damage children’s self-esteem.
If you don’t naturally encourage others, try associating your positive feedback with something you do regularly, like kissing your kids good night. When that happens, you’ll know that you’ve inspired them at least once a day. That’s a solid beginning. But you should build on that and work yourself to give more praise to them to help build better relationships.
5. Increase Family time
Finding time for everyone to be at home together is getting harder and harder at a time when working parents and busy kids are the norm. Be specific with this goal or it will end up on the scrap heap of broken resolutions. Trying to be a better dad involves ‘being there’… Spending time with them will pay off big time!
6. Take regular breaks for yourself
Don’t serve your family like a slave. It is more of a necessity than a luxury to take some time out for yourself. Change your household routine, ask your wife or family members for assistance, or hire a babysitter so you can take a break.
The Perfect Workshop for Parents is Here!
7. Schedule some quality time with your wife
Make sure you get a chance to spend time with your her and don’t talk about the kids. This might be a romantic weekend away or just meeting for coffee once a week. Whatever your time or budget allows, make this happen regularly. It could be as easy as a dinner and a movie! Be a better dad and a better husband and your married life will thank you. I have listed some great hobbies that you and your precious wife could possible enjoy…
8. Use guilt to your advantage
Let’s face it: Parents have a lot of reasons to feel guilty. Guilt is a typical emotion that results from doing things like leaving kids in daycare, working long hours, and even using discipline. Do not spoil children with toys or other material items to ease your guilt.
Guilt can be beneficial though; if it reminds you to take time off work to attend a child’s school play or prompts you to hire some domestic help to create more family time. It could also simply tell you where you should improve in your own life.
9. Create a plan to get through those trying situations
Only television families are exempt from the day’s craziest hours. Families frequently experience chaos during meals, hysteria in the morning, and fights at bedtime. Determine your most challenging time of the day, become incredibly organized, and be prepared to vanish if children pester you unnecessarily at this time.
10. Steer clear your kids’ fights
Sibling fights disturb the peace and it’s hard for dads to stay out of the brouhaha. Chances are that you will either request calm, issue a decision to settle the conflict, or take a side to place blame on the offending youngster. If you’re tired of getting involved in your kids’ disputes, let them work it out on their own.
When your kids start fighting, send them to another room or send them outside until they are done. They’ll figure it out!
11. Take control of that TV
It’s time to set some strict watching restrictions if your home’s television is on all the time. For kids of most ages, two hours per day is a good recommendation. Give kids a night without television or video games so they can experience other types of entertainment, like boardgames: Qwirkle, Rushhour, Go Fish and so many more
12. Monitor Their online activity
In most households, smart devices are quickly taking the place of television as the preferred electronic babysitter. Fair enough, smart devices offer greater educational potential than television, however, unless parents provide guidance and aid, kids mostly use them for games. Instead of letting kids use the computer on their own, pull up a chair and participate.
13. Do not Cave into Tantrums
Do you give in when your kid thrashes around like a crab in the grocery store, throwing himself on his back? If your adolescent storms off to his room and slams the door behind him when he doesn’t get his way, do you throw up your hands in despair? The purpose of tantrums is to sometimes emotionally blackmail parents into caving into their children’s requests.
The next time your youngster has a serious wobble, step away and don’t cave in to such pressure. Take a few deep breaths and pretend ‘nothing is happening… Block it out.
14. Avoid the good parent syndrome
That’s my weakness right here. Good dads are there to protect children from many of life’s difficulties. But, being too good of a dad will rob them of opportunities to develop independence and responsibility. They take forgotten lunches to school, pay the penalty for their children’s overused data on their smartphones, and believe that chores are for parents rather than children.
If this sounds familiar let children take more responsibility for their actions in the coming year. Start by them making their beds. Simple.
15. Keep bad behavior in check
You likely have moments when you believe that your kids are the worst people ever or that nobody else behaves in such a way. Think again. The likelihood is that if your child misbehaves, he won’t be the pioneer. Many other kids do this as well. But it doesn’t help much if you have to deal with unpleasant children every day.
No matter how difficult things get, try to concentrate on their positive behaviors and make a concerted effort to keep your relationship strong, even if it seems like all the effort is going in one direction. Long-term success is a result of your perseverance.
16. Be an Active Listener
Take the time to listen attentively to your family members, whether it’s your spouse sharing their day or your children expressing their thoughts and feelings. Active listening strengthens family relationships and shows that you genuinely care about what they have to say. Better dad = Better Listener or Better Listener = Better Dad?
17. Embrace Crucial Conversations
Don’t shy away from important discussions with your spouse and children. Addressing difficult topics openly and honestly fosters a culture of trust and emotional intimacy within the family.
18. Prioritize Family Meals
Make an effort to have regular family meals together. Shared mealtimes provide opportunities for bonding, sharing stories, and creating memories that contribute to strong family bonds.
19. Engage in Small Gestures
Show your love and appreciation through simple, thoughtful acts like leaving notes, offering a warm hug, or doing small favors for your spouse and children. These little things can have a big impact on family happiness.
20. Strive for Personal Growth
As a good father and husband, commit to your own personal growth and development. Pursue hobbies, interests, or skills that make you happy and fulfilled, setting an example of self-improvement for your family. This is one of the most important things to become a better father in all shapes…
21. Be a Good Role Model
Recognize that you are a role model for your children. Demonstrate the values, behaviors, and qualities you wish to see in them. Lead by example and strive to be the best version of yourself.
22. Be There in the Middle of the Night
Whether it’s comforting a crying child or being a supportive presence for your spouse, being there in the middle of the night during times of need strengthens the bond within the family.
23. Foster Honest Communication
Encourage open and honest communication within your family. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions without judgment.
24. Devote Quality Time to Your Family
Balance your commitments and make time for your family. Quality time spent together fosters happy kids and nurtures a sense of security and belonging.
25. Be Present and Involved
As a devoted dad and husband, actively participate in your children’s lives. Attend their events, engage in their interests, and be genuinely involved in their daily experiences.
Last Thing…
Keep It Simple…and love’em like crazy!
Go get some ice cream together! Use these different ways to become a great dad and the best father you can be…
Being a loving father and a great husband is about embracing the little things, being present, and fostering positive family relationships through honest communication and active involvement. By being the best version of yourself, you become a great role model for your children, creating strong bonds and making a lasting, positive impact on your family’s happiness and well-being.
Changing small things in the right way and following the practical tips I’ve talked about will surely go a long way and make you see the big picture to become a better person in the most meaningful ways possible.
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