Ways to be a Better Dad - #33

#33 - Don't Let mom do all the work

Some dads leave everything to do with school up to mom. This includes helping with school work, meetings with teachers and volenteering for school and class events. When you are not involved, it gives your child only one parent to help. Getting involved will help your child and your marriage. It takes the pressure off mom and shows your wife and your child that you respect her.

Ways to be a Better Dad - #32

#32 - Give Active Chores to your Children

Have your children vacuum, wash the car, or mow the lawn. Rotate the chores among your children so they don't get bored or think you're playing favorites by always having one child do an easy chore and another a hard chore. Link chores to a fun system - such as a game or contest - that will make chores a fun part of family life.

Ways to be a Better Dad - #31

#31 - Prepare Meals as a Family

Children enjoy learning how to prepare and cook food. They really like to learn when their parents teach them, even if all they're learning is how to make a peanut butter and jelly snadwich. Teach your children to make healthy meals. Have older children make at least one meal each week or month for the entire family. The more confident your children are about making and eating healthy meals, the less likely they will be to eat "junk" foods.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #30

#30 - Share Your Favorite Sports with your Children

If your children like some of the same sports that you do, play those sports with them. This sharing will allow your child to see you model part of a healthy lifestyle, and will deepen your relationships with your children. Consider coaching your children's teams as a way to model how vital an active lifestyle is to being healthy.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #29

#29 - Place your commitment in Writing

Create and sign a family contract. Have your children and, if married, your wiffe sign it, too. Put in writing that you will balance success at work with success at home so that you can be involved, resposible, and committed father. Read this contract at the start of every week to remind you of this commitment.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #28

#28 - Create Family Prime Time

Create a daily block of time for family called "family prime time." Turn off your cell phone, laptop, and pager, and keep your work off-limits during this time.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #27

#27 - Be with your family Every Day

Spend time every day with your children and, if married, with your wife. Don't limit family time to the weekends. Find times and events that are just of for family. Tuck your kids into bed, take an evening walk, or simply have dinner or breakfast together. This will help you stay connected to your family. If you don't live with your children, try to spend as much time with tham as you can. find ways to talk with them every day over the phone or by e-mail.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #25

#25 - Limit work on weekends, vacations and holidays

Don't make a habit of working n your days off. You need time away from your work to focus on family time. Have a co-worker cover your work during a vacation. This will keep you from worrying about it while you're gone.

50 Ways to be a better Dad - #24

#24 - Make a Career Decisions as a Family

Try to find a job that limits stress when trying to balance work and family. As you consider new work or a promotion, compare the benefits of the job to how it will affect your family time.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #23

#23 - USe work benefits that help you balance work and family

Your employer might offer benefits like flextime, shift swapping, telecommuting, paternity leave, or leave banks. Use them to help you with your work and family time. If your employer doesn't have these benefits, talk with your human resources office about offering them.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #22

#22 - Show your Family Commitment

Display things like your children's artwork and family photos at the office so that everyone can see how committed you are to family. Also, keep a scheduled family commitment just like you keep a work commitment. People will quickly learn to respect both your time at work and with family.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #21

#21 - Be choosy with special Jobs

Think before you agree to overtime work or special jobs. It may be tempting to have the extra money or respect, but it may mean you'll have less time with your family.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #20

#20 - Be a Team Player

Offer to help your co-workers and manager on special projects. It's a great way to prove that you can be flexible when needed. Treat people the way that you want to be treated, and they'll hlp you balance your work and family.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #19

#19 - Stay Busy and Focused:

Get your job done during the day so you can get home to your family. close your office door, hang a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on your cubicle, or simply avoid office gossip. Let people know that you mean business when it comes to getting the job done. At the end of the day, you can relax knowing that you put in a full day of work.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #18

#18 - Make Your Boss Your Ally

Working with your boss requires honesty, trust, and hard work. Work with your boss to create ways that help you meet your duty to both your job and your family. One great way is to record your progress on the job in a weekly report to your boss. This way, you are judged on what you do and not just when you're present.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #17

#17 - Tell Co-Workers About Your Family:

Talk with your friends and boss at work about your desire to balance work anbd family. This will help show them that you won't sacrifice family for your job.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #16

#16 - Be There for Your Wife and Child From the Start

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

50 Ways to Better Dad #15

#15 - Be a Good Husband:

Top 5 Needs of Men and Women

This is taken from a survey of 258 counseling centers across America.

5 top basic needs of a man

• Sexual Fulfillment
• Recreational Companionship
• Attractive Spouse
• Domestic Support (Know how to run the house)
• Admiration
  

5 top basic needs of a woman

• Affection
• Conversation (understand feeling, not thinking)
• Honesty
• Financial Support
• Family Commitment

50 Ways to be a better Dad - #14

#14 - Go to Church.

NFI just released a new survey called "Mama Says." In that survey moms said that dads that go to church are better dads.

You can read more about one person says about the survey at: www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/feb/06/mama-says-go-to-church-survey-reveals/

50 Ways to be a better Dad - #13

#13 - Be Grateful

Author Tim Hansel has 4 tips for contentment. (He actually calls them "commandments.") These have direct application for the holidays:

1. Live here and now. The holiday season is about anticipation and looking forward, but don’t forget to also make the most of every moment with your family. Look for the miracles right in front of you!

2. Don't hurry. The tragedy of the Christmas/holiday rush is that we neglect things – and usually people – that are far more important. Slowing down helps us to live in the here and now. We're more likely to notice and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that make this season so wonderful.

3. Don't take yourself too seriously. The person who takes himself too seriously ends up being a pretentious, defensive man who works five times harder than necessary to try and prove himself. Meanwhile, he forgets to laugh – especially at himself. Laughing at yourself can be a great strength for fathers – and it can really help things go more smoothly this time of year.

3. Be grateful. The Thanksgiving holiday should live on. Gratitude is at the heart of peace and contentment, and can radically alter how you go through the Christmas/holiday season.

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #12

#12 - Dads & Discipline–- Roland Warren

Friday, November 13, 2009

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Man_2_Man_Express/archives.asp?bcd=11/13/2009

50 Ways to be a better Dad - #11

#11 - "Dads Can Maximize Holidays"

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Man_2_Man_Express/archives.asp?bcd=2009-11-20

November 20, 2009
Before joining National Fatherhood Initiative, Roland Warren worked as a financial consultant for Goldman Sachs in Philadelphia, PA. He also worked as an Associate Director of Development for his alma mater, Princeton University, and in management positions for both IBM and PepsiCo. Previously, he served as a member of National Fatherhood Initiative's board of directors. Roland received his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Yvette, have two sons.

CLICK HERE to visit National Fatherhood Initiative!

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #10

#10 - Realize that a father's job is never done

Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it's continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grown and, perhaps, marry and build their own families.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a better Dad" brochure

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #9

#9 - Show Affection

Children need the secruity that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection every day is the best way to let your children know that you love them.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a better Dad" brochure

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #8

#8 - Read to your Children

In a world where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children. Children learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing. Begin reading to your children when they are very young. When they are older, encourage them to read on their own. Instilling your children with a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure they will have a lifetime of personal and career growth.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a better Dad" Brochure

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #7

#7 - Eat Together as a Family

Sharing a meal together (breakfast, lunch or dinner) can be an important part of healthyfamily life. In addition to providing some structure in a busy day, it gives kids the chance to talk about what they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen and give advice. Most importantly, it is a time for families to be together each day.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad" Brochure

Fifty Ways to be a Better Dad - #6

#6 - Be a Teacher

Too many fathers think teaching is something others do. But a father who teaches his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad." Brochure

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #5

#5 - Be a Role Model -

Fathers are role models to their kids, whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad" Brochure

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #4

#4 - Discipline with Love -

All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consquences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior. Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad" Brochure

50 Ways to be a Better Dad - #3

#3 - Earn the Right to be Heard -

All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong. That's why so many children cringe when their mother's says, "Your father wants to talk with you." Begin talking with your kids when they are young so that different subjects will be easier to handle as they get older. Take time and listen to their ideas and problems.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad" Brochure

Fifty Days to be a Better Dad - #2

#2 - Spend Time With Your Children

How a father spends his time tells his children what's important to him. If you always seem too busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children. Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are lost forever.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad" Brochure

Fifty Days to be a Better Dad - #1

#1 - Respect Your Children's Mother

One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother. If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you're not married, it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children. A Father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for them. When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more liekly to feel that they are also accepted and respected.

Taken from "10 Ways to be a Better Dad" Brochure

What fathers can learn from Michael Vick

What fathers can learn from Michael Vick

Posted using ShareThis

Are You Father-Friendly?

More and more men state that work-family balance issues prevent them from being a successful parent, and more and more women are saying that they want their husbands to be more available so that they can balance their work-family priorities, as well.

I was privileged to talk with several other experts on Kojo Nnamdi's NPR show last week - Work-Life Balance : A Male Perspective. As Generation Y men enter the workforce and become parents, they're placing more emphasis on their role as a father and are looking for companies who will do the same, even in tougher economic times.

With Father's Day just passed, it's a good time to analyze what are you doing for the fathers in your company. Many work-life programs offer parenting resources for both women and men, but with information and a style that is geared more for women. Maternity leave is a standard, but paternity leave is only starting to catch on.

Focusing on fathers will boost your bottom line - studies show that good fathers are better leaders - and it doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some ideas:
Include Men/Fathers In Marketing Collateral. If you're advertising a seminar/workshop or hosting a presentation, make sure the imagery includes men and fathers so that men feel welcome and at-ease.

Offer Literature Specifically for Fathers. Brochures/pamphlets with specific information for men on topics like balancing work and family, keeping children safe, and other parenting tips will get more traction among men.

Organize a Dads Group. Encourage men to meet over lunch and invite in guest speakers. This will give them a safe place to talk about fathering and support each other.
To see how father-friendly your company is, you can use a free diagnostic tool - the Father Friendly Check-Up. Offered by the National Fatherhood Initiative, it helps you pin-point strategies for becoming a more father-friendly organization.

Don't let your fathers get left in the dust during these tough economic times. With just a little ingenuity and resourcefulness, you can actively and effectively support the fathers in your company.

My recent radio appearance on the Kojo Nnamdi Show

Work-Life Balance: A Male Perspective

Click Here to listen to this WAMU American University Radio interview which “examines the [work-life] concerns of young working men and looks at how employers are beginning to respond.” Featured in this interview are Ellen Galinsky, President, Families and Work Institute; Kathleen Gerson, Professor of Sociology, New York University; and Ken Gosnell, Associate Vice President of National Programming, National Fatherhood Initiative.

2009 Miltary Fatherhood Awardee

ESPN Highlights Fatherhood!

Woman Has Twins With 2 Different Dads

There is a moral to this story. I think this is an example of how society thinks fathers are replaceable....In my opinion this is a very sad story!

"Like most twins, 11-month-old Justin and Jordan have a lot in common. But it’s what they do not have in common that has a lot of people, including their parents, calling them a miracle of science.

“I have twins, but they’re by different fathers,” said Mia Washington.

The twins’ parents contacted FOX 4, wanting to go public with their story. Washington admits she had an affair that resulted in two babies, born at the same time, fathered by two different men.

“Out of all people in America and of all people in the world, it had to happen to me. I’m very shocked,” Washington said.

The parents went to Dallas DNA Lab Clear Diagnostics after noticing the twins have different facial features.

According to the paternity test, there’s a 99.999 percent chance Justin and Jordan do not have the same father, and zero percent chance they do. The lab has never seen this type of result, nor do they expect to see it again.

“It is very crazy. Most people don’t believe it can happen, but it can,” said Clear Diagnostics President Genny Thibodeaux.

Read the entire story at: http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/woman-has-twins-with-2-different-dads/

Father and Daughter Reunited!

This story goes to show that a father leaves a hole in the heart in the shape of a dad. The little girl needed her father and sought him out...

Fatherhood Story of the Day...

Interesting story - However, the Dad expresses no self-awareness of how what he is doing will impact his daughter. He did all of this under the concept of he was taking care of his daughter, but what he daughter really needed was an involved, responsible, and committed father.

Men Do Follow Instructions: