Any Man Can Be a Father – But It Takes a Special Person to Be a Dad! – Proverb

Did You Know…

• Babies whose fathers are absent during pregnancy are 4 times more likely to die in the first year of life.
• Fatherless boys have a higher rate of drinking and smoking, as well as problems with anger, when compared to boys in two-parent households .
• A study of 13,986 women in prison showed that more than 50%  grew up without their father.

Yet…

• 50% of all children with highly involved fathers in two-parent families reported getting mostly A’s through 12th grade
• Research results show that children with a highly involved father are healthier physically, emotionally, and have better social development skills
• Adolescent girls raised in a 2 parent homes, or with highly-involved fathers are significantly less likely to be sexually active than girls raised without involved fathers.

As you can see, fathers play a very important role in their children’s lives, and YOU have the power to make a difference.

Being a great dad may not always be easy – but not being a great dad has a serious price.

By taking time to learn your rights as a father, accept responsibility as a dad, and commit yourself to creating great memories with your children, you will be the great dad they need you to be and a whole lot more.

Below are five simple ways you can be a GREAT dad today

Step 1. Respect Your Children, Their Mother and Yourself

• Children watch everything you do, set a good example from an early age by teaching them right from wrong and the importance of good values.
• Respect is learned, and earned; treat your child’s mother how you want her to treat you.
• Talk with your child’s mother openly and honestly, and resolve differences without putting your children in the middle.

Step 2. Make Good Memories With Your Children.

• Make a plan to do something simple but something that your children will always remember.
• Read a story to your children at bed time, or better yet, make up a special story together.
• Fix their favorite breakfast every Saturday.

Step 3. Be Your Children’s Biggest Fan

• Your children are waiting for you to call out their best, give them praise, a hug, or a pat on the back.
• Call out what they did right in their choices and actions.
• Brag about their accomplishments to a friend when they are around
• Let them know that you love them deeply.

Step 4. Be A Champion of Good Health

Did you know children who have overweight fathers are four times more likely to be overweight?

Set a good example for your children by

• Go outside to play basketball, ride bikes, or take a walk at least two to three days or nights a week
• Make eating an adventure by trying new healthy foods together
• Make healthy snack substitutions like popcorn instead of chips

Step 5. Listen To What Your Children Are Saying.

• Spend time listening to your children talk about their day.
• Ask your children questions gently and listen to what they are saying or not saying.
• Allow your children to find the joy in life that comes with innocence; laugh don’t yell if they do something wrong but don’t know.
• Listening will only take a few minutes, but the impact will last a lifetime and can make them feel safe and secure.

Take the Next Step

Visit the Fathers Resource Center to find helpful tools and articles with answers and tips, whether you are already a dad or going to be a dad.

You can also read articles by dads for dads in the Be A Great Dad Blog, or head over to our Parents Forum to talk with other dads just like you. 

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The information provided through the b4Bb.org web site is obtained from a variety of public resources and includes content provided by members of the Best for Broward Babies Advisory Board, among other reputable sources. This information is intended as a consumer education resource only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem, as it is not a substitute for expert professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult your health care provider. In addition, every effort is made to ensure links to external sites, as well as information and/or animations, are current and correct. If you find a link within the website that does not work or contains erroneous or outdated information please contact info@b4Bb.org