Byrelating to his insecurities. Your child is so bossy because inside she feels so powerless. Your child is a brat because inside he feels frightened and out of control. Your child does exactly Hereare the 7 signs that he's still in love with his ex, and that he's NOT over her. 1. He hasn't cleaned up her stuff yet. 2. He's revisiting old memories. 3. He systematically does all the right things. 4. He gets upset when his ex is dating someone new. FatherDaughter Quotes: "There is no place higher than on daddy's shoulders.". 6. "No one in this world can love a girl more than her father." -Michael Ratnadeepak. 7. "You are loved for the girl you are, the woman you will become, and the precious daughter you will always be.". 8. Amother or a father loves their son unconditionally and similarly, a wife does the same to her husband. While their intentions are same—to keep the person they love happy—their ways of Aforgiving heart is foundational when it comes to honoring our father. 4. Pray for your father. When God gave the fifth commandment to "Honor your mother and father" in Exodus 20:12, he didn't give specifics on how to do it. This seemingly simple command becomes difficult to follow when your father wasn't a good dad. HL5s1. Do you ever sit back and think about your childhood? How you were treated like a baby and how much love and care you received? It kind of puts things in perspective; what kind of mum you’ll be, and how great your partner would be as well hopefully. One day, you’ll get married, and hopefully soon, a baby will be on the way. Is your partner ready to be a father? Has he talked about it? Once our relationship starts to get serious, a part of us begins to get ideas and wonder if our kids will also get to call our partner daddy one day. Unfortunately, being a fantastic spouse isn’t enough to know whether he will be a good dad. How do you then tell if the love of your life will also be the right man to bet your eggs on? Here are some ways to determine if that guy will make a great daddy even if you’re yet to get to that bridge. 29 Ways To Tell He Will Be A Good Father1. He grew up in a stable, loving home2. He can hold his own under stress3. He’s financially responsible4. He knows a father shouldn’t be just a money bag5. His middle name is patience6. He’s in contact with his inner child7. He loves children8. He wants kids of his own9. He’s a pet parent10. He can multitask11. He doesn’t overindulge in drugs and alcohol12. He can keep his emotions in check when upset13. He is attentive14. He helps out around the house without being asked15. He’s supportive and resourceful16. He’s there for you on your low days17. He’s willing to learn and unlearn18. He’s family-oriented19. He is in a good place mentally20. He understands the concept of space and boundaries21. He’s at that stage in life22. He isn’t afraid of commitment23. You’re on the same page on parenting ideals24. He respects you25. He is not excessively possessive of you26. He has no trouble connecting on an emotional level27. You two have no issue communicating effectively28. He has great genes29. He’s already a dadFAQsThe Bottom Line 29 Ways To Tell He Will Be A Good Father 1. He grew up in a stable, loving home Many people in the world today make recalibrating their settings their life’s work so as not to turn out as their parents did. If your guy got a chance to be a kid in a stable, loving home, odds are he’s going to make an excellent parent. Whether he chooses to emulate his parents or strike out on his own ways, you can rest assured knowing he has wholesome experiences to draw from or fall back on when things get tricky. Coming from a stable, happy home means he won’t want to settle for less, and according to experts, that’s a foundation for raising a child successfully. 2. He can hold his own under stress Notice what your guy is like under pressure because children tend to bring a lot of those. It’s a good sign if he steps up and sees things through when subject to emotional and physical strain, but worrisome if he bails and runs at the slightest hint of trouble. Although they say something about how having a baby makes you want to do better in every way, that’s not the case all the time. Stress management can be learned, so you might want to get him started on that instead of writing him off. 3. He’s financially responsible Being able to provide for a family is how you can tell if your partner is finally ready to be called a man. And though it’s starting to sink that it takes more than money to be a good dad, you’ll agree with me that we can’t overlook the financial aspect of raising children. It’s not enough that your spouse has loads of cash in the bank, notice if he spends with the future in mind. It’s a plus if he doesn’t depend on his parents financially, and best if he can manage what he makes productively. 4. He knows a father shouldn’t be just a money bag Like I said, men are in touch with parenthood and the responsibilities that come with it now more than ever. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ignorant guys going through life thinking they just have to secure the bag and the family front is set. It’s important to have a millennial man’ who is comfortable with being a hands-on parent instead of leaving all the work to his wife. 5. His middle name is patience Not just the name, he has to wear this quality like a cloak too. If you’ve ever spent more than five minutes with a baby, you know they are not always the adorable angels we make them out to be. When the time comes, you want his father to be able to keep his cool when your little humans lose theirs. He isn’t made of stone, but if he stays calm in frustrating situations more often than not, he’ll probably do fine. 6. He’s in contact with his inner child This trait can be endearing in that people like this hardly ever get bored, and that makes them the best to hang out with. You’d be pleased to know that adults aren’t the only group of people who are attracted to this quality. Someone with a lighthearted personality is more likely to genuinely enjoy the company of children than one who is serious all the time. A man whose sense of wonder is intact and can play with his kids like he’s their age will no doubt make a good dad. 7. He loves children Notice how your partner acts around children and how they respond to his presence. Some people naturally try to avoid the little ones because, again, they can be a handful. However, there are those who despite being aware of how messy it can get, tend to enjoy making a baby laugh and all the work that comes with that. Men who love kids usually can’t stop talking about them. From posting cute pictures of their niece on social media to volunteering to watch their coworker’s baby during meetings, you can tell he’d love yours and his even more. 8. He wants kids of his own It’s not enough that he finds dad jokes funny, neither does being able to wipe poop and puke make him a potential good father. Some people don’t share the sentiment that others do about children and do not want any of their own. Don’t assume your partner wants kids because he grew up in a large family and loves his younger siblings. You want to take this step with someone who isn’t just sure they want to be a dad but is also looking forward to meeting their bundle of joy. 9. He’s a pet parent Does your guy own a pet or has he ever had one that he had to take care of by himself most of the time? You can probably see how being able to successfully manage a dog can prepare you for the huge task of child-rearing. There is so much one can learn from watching a puppy grow. All the tasks from feeding, training, cleaning after, to watching a pup go through life stages can certainly sharpen his patience as well as the ability to communicate and care for someone else. 10. He can multitask When it comes to parenting, being able to remain balanced while effectively switching back and forth between tasks is associated with women. A stereotype that our generation is doing an excellent job of breaking away from. It eventually comes down to the principles you set for your family. If you two are going to be juggling jobs with childcare, for instance, you should both learn to maximize your time. Years of conditioning means this may not come naturally to your guy, but he can always learn from dads who are killing it on that front one day at a time. Use this tool to check whether he actually is who he says he isWhether you're married or have just started seeing someone, infidelity rates are on the rise and have increased over 40% in the last 20 years, so you have all the right to be worried. Perhaps you want to know if he's texting other women behind your back? Or whether he has active Tinder or dating profile? Or worse yet, whether he has a criminal record or is cheating on you? This tool will do just that and pull up any hidden social media and dating profiles, photos, criminal records, and much more to hopefully help put your doubts to rest. 11. He doesn’t overindulge in drugs and alcohol Substance abuse is never cool at any age, but having a child with someone on the path of addiction can be a nightmare. Imagine having to nurse a baby and their drunk dad every other day or seeing your kids grow up with a father who loses himself when he gets high almost all the time. Not only is your relationship with him bound to get strained along the line, but such proclivity can also cause long-term damages to the children. 12. He can keep his emotions in check when upset Patience to go through irritating and unpleasant situations without losing his temper and self-control to hold himself back when his humanness rears its head. If your guy has these two qualities in the face of real frustration, you would be lucky to have him be the father of your children. The little ones will be able to approach their dad without the fear of him losing it, even when they mess up. It’s things like this that make kids trust their parents wholeheartedly. 13. He is attentive Even if your relationship has not gotten anywhere close to discussing children and family, you can tell what kind of father he’d make if you ever got there. See how he pays attention to you and your needs, your environment, and those who matter to you. You want someone who is naturally considerate and thoughtful of others, even when there is no immediate reward in it for him. These are the signs of a person who can be trusted to remember to feed the baby and notice when they cry funny. 14. He helps out around the house without being asked There are two types of men The ones who do the dishes because they are right there, and those who have to be told to wash their own plates all the time. Let’s say your fellow hates everything that has to do with doing the dishes. Does he leave you alone to get the food done while he scrolls through his phone and splays his legs across the coffee table? Does he find it hard to pick up his dirty socks, let alone do the laundry? These are signs you should definitely address if you want to make an involved daddy out of him when your baby comes. 15. He’s supportive and resourceful Does your mind go straight to your partner when you’re in a jam because you know he always comes up with something? That ability will come in handy in parenthood, and even before the baby arrives. You could use a quick-witted person by your side to complement your pregnancy brain. After your bundle of joy comes, you may worry a lot that you’re going to break them because of how delicate they look. Having an ever-supportive and imaginative partner with you at such times wouldn’t be the worst thing. 16. He’s there for you on your low days Sure, you two have a lot of great times together, but if you want to know your partner’s potential as a father, judge the bad days. Have you ever been so sick you couldn’t be useful to yourself, let alone someone else? How about when you’re sad as hell and just need someone to hug you and say you will be alright? If you ever had days like that and your spouse stepped up to take care of you without getting grossed out or complaining, he’ll likely make an excellent dad one day. 17. He’s willing to learn and unlearn “We are the sum total of our experiences.” – Neblett. From the moment we are born and throughout our entire lives, we pick up things from our immediate and social environments which eventually make us who we are. However, true growth comes when we can acknowledge what no longer serves us and unlearn them. This is the secret to successful personal development and a great mindset for a future parent to have. 18. He’s family-oriented Life will happen, and responsibilities will take their toll, you want someone who never loses sight of home in all of it. Someone who not only doesn’t mind spending the weekend at home with you instead of being elsewhere having fun but actually looks forward to it. A family-oriented husband won’t resent you when it’s his turn to watch the kids. This is why it’s imperative to ensure he doesn’t just say yes to having a baby because you want it, but that he actually desires one too. 19. He is in a good place mentally Again, forming and raising little humans of your own can come with immense pressure, the kind that can crush someone who isn’t on good standing. Most people don’t set out to be bad parents. A large percentage of those who end up contributing to their kid’s issues do so by overlooking their own childhood trauma and leaving emotional problems unresolved. You shouldn’t perpetuate this pattern of avoidable messes to the next generation. If your spouse is struggling with any sort of mental illness that you know of, encourage him to get help before bringing a baby into the fold. 20. He understands the concept of space and boundaries The best of dads knows when to dote on his kids and when to let them blossom by themselves. He teaches them how to protect themselves by controlling how much access others have to their personal space. You can tell if he’s going to be such a father one day by the way he regards your boundaries. Does he even understand the concept, to begin with? The good news is that it can be learned, he just has to be willing first. 21. He’s at that stage in life Is he already reaching that stage where he’s more interested in keeping meaningful company and less inclined towards reckless living? Physically in his prime, financially independent, life going according to plan with starting a family next on his list? Does he have close friends who have settled down and have babies of their own? If you said yes, chances are he’s already looking forward to becoming a parent. Enthusiasm is good, it makes him more likely to put in the work. 22. He isn’t afraid of commitment Most people experience fear of commitment at some point in their life, albeit in varying degrees. Your boyfriend trying to avoid DTR doesn’t mean he’s going to make a terrible parent, he might just not be ready. However, he may not make such a great one if he is unable to remain faithful after agreeing to be exclusive. If he can’t commit fully to you, an independent adult he claims to love, how much more is a baby who will depend on him for the better part of 18 years? 23. You’re on the same page on parenting ideals From what you can tell about your partner so far, do you think you’ll clash a lot if you ever became parents together? For instance, is he partial to the disciplinarian style while you’d prefer to be more indulgent? Does he plan to inculcate his religion into his offspring as soon as they are born while you prefer that they grow up and make their own choices? I say it’s best to get on the same page about these things before making any permanent decisions. 24. He respects you How does this man treat you? Does he show regard for your wishes and feelings? Does he recognize and respect your personal boundaries? Does he rate you enough to treat you as an equal? Is he interested in your opinion or he makes big decisions all the time without consulting you? Make sure you check all of these out first. Mutual respect is necessary for a romantic relationship to blossom but even more so when you become parents. It wouldn’t be appropriate for daddy to always undermine mommy vice-versa, and this would often happen if you and your spouse aren’t a team. 25. He is not excessively possessive of you Some men end up resenting their offspring because they can’t bear to share their wife with anyone. Yes, even their own. I’m sure you know children require a lot of attention 100% a lot of the time as infants. A little jealousy when you choose to hang out with your friends over him may be fair. But if he’s so possessive that he gets vengeful whenever you dare direct your attention to anyone or anything other than himself, he may not be such a delight in fatherhood. 26. He has no trouble connecting on an emotional level Emotional involvement makes all the difference in the parenting style of nowadays. Studies suggest that babies who are fortunate enough to have emotionally engaged dads develop better mentally and are less likely to have behavioral issues later on. They also generally form better relationships, compared to those whose fathers only get involved when it’s time to whip out the credit card. These and more are what your children stand to gain if he can get in touch with his soft side. 27. You two have no issue communicating effectively It is not enough that you love and respect each other, if you’re going to make a great team, your communication has to be top-notch. If you’re usually open, positive, and honest with one another, chances are he’d carry that culture into fatherhood. This is how one person doesn’t end up being kept out of the loop when they can’t be present. Also, kids bond better with their parents when they feel heard and understood by them, and it starts with how you communicate with them. 28. He has great genes Do they have great hair or a long line of talents in his family? Are his sisters super-intelligent? Does he have a perfect jawline or other physical features that make you wonder if he was built in a lab? How about their family health, do they have any history of mental illness or terminal diseases? This physical aspect may seem vain, but these are all essential things to look out for as they can give your babies a much-needed edge in life when they grow up. 29. He’s already a dad Some believe that you may never know what a person will be like as a parent until they become one. Some men seem to be hopeless and then become best friends with their little ones when they arrive. On the other hand, some seem to be full of potential but end up backing out when the stress of parenting gets to them. Seeing how he treats the ones on the ground has to be the most reliable way to tell if he’ll be a great dad. Treating his parents, other kids, helpless people, and little animals well are also all great signs. FAQs What makes a man a good dad?Good dads are able to balance being playful and warm with their kids with tough love. They are comfortable being the bad cop when necessary but also know when to put the act aside and communicate on their little ones’ level. They understand that their commitment is lifelong, and they do their best to stay true to all of it. What are the signs of a bad father?If you notice the following signs, he is a bad dad he provides money but neglects his other fatherly duties. He disrespects their mom in front of the kids. He’s overindulgent or strictly authoritarian. He abuses the kids or their mom or sets terrible examples. What are the qualities of a good father?A good father is patient and kind and fun. He looks forward to spending time with his children without being forced. He loves his family enough to make sacrifices to keep them happy even if a lot of his efforts go unnoticed by them. He provides and protects and lives a life worth emulating. How much time should a father spend with his child?A child thrives better when they get to spend enough time with their parents, so I’d say the more the better. Recent research results show busy parents only getting about seven minutes with their kids isn’t good enough, dads should try to get at least one hour in one day. Can a parent gaslight a child?Parents are not supposed to gaslight their kids, but some inadvertently find themselves doing it anyway in a bid to maintain control over them. You shouldn’t make a habit of this toxic behavior as it can end up damaging your kid emotionally. The Bottom Line Now you see you don’t necessarily have to get to the parenting bridge to see if your current partner is the right person to cross it with. Remember though, that all these can only help you predict how good he will be with a kid, and not to say for sure. If you found this article helpful, kindly leave a comment and share it, thanks. Utilize this tool to verify if he's truly who he claims to beWhether you're married or just started dating someone, infidelity rates have risen by over 40% in the past 20 years, so your concerns are justified. Do you want to find out if he's texting other women behind your back? Or if he has an active Tinder or dating profile? Or even worse, if he has a criminal record or is cheating on you? This tool can help by uncovering hidden social media and dating profiles, photos, criminal records, and much more, potentially putting your doubts to rest. Poems about Dad Our fathers carry half of our genetic makeup. Our relationship with our father plays a huge part of who we will become. In many segments of society, people grow up without ever knowing their fathers. This is unfortunate because fathers should play as important a role in raising their children as mothers. A father is the model of a man for his daughter and she will choose a man who is like him. A father is the model for his son as well. Fortunately, there is a trend for fathers to be more active in their children's lives. 58 Poems about Fathers and Sons and Daughters 1. Silent, Strong Dad He never looks for praises. He's never one to boast. He just goes on quietly working For those he loves the most. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story I was born blind. I, like my father, had congenital at birth bilateral both sides cataracts. My vision was far worse than dad's though. My dad was always there along with my mom to... Read complete story 2. Only A Dad By Edgar A. Guest Only a dad, with a tired face, Coming home from the daily race, Bringing little of gold or fame, To show how well he has played the game, Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story Hello everyone. It’s a Monday morning, and I’ve just begun working, but somewhere in my mind throughout the day I keep remembering my dad and his deeds. No matter how tired I become, I still... Read complete story 3. My Dad Top 500 231 By Vicky Frye Published June 2015 If I could write a story, It would be the greatest ever told. I'd write about my daddy, For he had a heart of gold. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story I just recently lost my dad. He was my everything. He raised me because my mother wasn't around much. I can relate to your poem and everyone's story. I looked up to my dad. He did 3 tours in... Read complete story 4. Special Hero Top 500 291 By Christina M. Kerschen Published November 2006 When I was a baby, you would hold me in your arms. I felt the love and tenderness, keeping me safe from harm. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story I don't know how it feels, but I sure understand what this poem is all about. How I wish my dad was caring. To me, he only carries the title and doesn't act the meaning. 5. A Girl's Daddy Top 500 431 By Lisa Linn Published March 2016 There once was a daddy who had only girls. He was very special indeed. For as some daddies eternally yearn for a son, This daddy could not see the need. Read Complete Poem 6. Last Chance By Stefanie Published August 2008 Analysis of Form and Technique My heart aches, Dad, For the things you won't do. My soul breaks, Dad, For all that we've been through. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story My dad is a substance abuser. He is abusive physically, emotionally and mentally in every possible way imagine. Since I could remember he has degraded my mum, my brothers and me. My mum... Read complete story 7. Family Circle By Melissa G. Nicks Published April 2006 When I am born, you are here In your eye, I see a tear Time flies and already I'm two "Look, Daddy, I can tie my shoe!" Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story Wow! Words cannot describe the quality of this poem. It is touching and another thing is that it co-relates with life's reality. Thanks a lot and thumbs up for the great job! 8. Blue By Brian A. Haycock Published April 2006 She was born pink and soft with all of her toes She had my eyes and her mothers nose She cried for a moment and then settled down The angel of my life with hair of brown Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story Yeah, you're right that a father loves his daughter very much. Yes, the poem is very good. 9. Tears In My Daddy's Eyes By Unknown Mystery Published June 2015 He was always my pillar when I knew I'd fall, Always my anchor so strong and tall. His hard face changes only for me. His softer side, so careless and free. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story I just got so emotional after reading this poem. I love my dad a lot. I want to fulfill his dreams. He always makes me happy, and he always does hard work for us. He never shows his weakness... Read complete story 10. Memories Of My Dad By Rebecca D. Cook Published November 2006 He wasn't a hero Known by the world, But a hero he was To his little girl. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story Awesome appreciation and wonderful thanksgiving to a father. No love and care can be compared with that of a father. My dad, too, is my friend and guide who always remains beside me and helps... Read complete story 11. Happy Father's Day By Elisa Garcia Published September 2008 I was not sure what to get you On this very special day So I decided to write this poem from my heart I have some things I need to say Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story Through you I have learned to show dedication. Even though it has been hard times but in future I know that you will always be with me as well as I will be with you Amen 12. Daddy By Ginger C. Smith Published July 2006 I'm just sitting here thinking about what you mean to me, Remembering all the things you've done for me. You've been there for me from the start, Knowing what to say to keep me from falling apart, Read Complete Poem 13. My Dad By Michael Macdonald Published June 2017 He wasn't faster than a speeding bullet, but he was quick to come to my defense. Unable to leap tall buildings, but could lift my spirits when life didn't make sense. Read Complete Poem 14. Father By Jennifer S. Williams Published February 2006 When I scratched my knee, Or if I bumped my head, When I was afraid of the dark, Or that thing under my bed, Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story Dear Dad, I want you to know I love you so much. What an amazing poem. I love everything you do for all of us. Love, Bella 15. For My Dad By Patricia A Fleming Published June 2019 He grew up in a town where people were poor, In a family quite wealthy with love. He was raised by two parents who were stable but strict And taught him to trust God above. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story My dad joined the Navy, but he is with me still today. I am sorry for your loss. 16. Wondrous Magical Times By Annette R. Hershey Published March 2017 The child held to her daddy's hand. She stood upon his feet, and as they danced to the music, Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story I loved the poem but I really can't relate to it because it was hard for my dad when he was growing up because he never had anyone like the little girl does in the poem. He never had a father... Read complete story 19. Dear Daddy By Kandice R. Graves Published September 2006 I need you now. Please take me by the hand. Stand by in my hour of need, Take time to understand. Read Complete Poem Featured Shared Story My wife wanted a divorce and in the wake were our children. I have a girlfriend with two kids. My daughter thinks I've replaced her and her brother with them...but I could never replace them.... Read complete story 20. He's My Dad By Jac Judy A. Campbell Published June 18, 2021 Muddy boots and overalls, he stood about six two He was a country bumpkin; hard work was what he knew A carpenter, a roofer, a jack of many trades Countless hours of hard labor with not much time to play Read Complete Poem Back to Top The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. All other content on this website is Copyright © 2006 - 2023 FFP Inc. All rights reserved. According to the Pew Research Center, a father’s role has changed in America. In 2016, the amount of time dads devoted to childcare was about three times the amount they provided in 1965. Despite this increase, 63 percent of fathers feel they still spend too little time with their The demands of juggling a career, a household, church commitments, and more are creating unparalleled pressure for dads and moms alike. How can we do it? How can we honor our family’s needs and keep up with everything else? Let me suggest five principles from God’s Word. 1 Provide for your family – 1 Timothy 58 Sometimes we think of our faith and our finances as being separate from each other, but the Bible draws a clear connection “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” 1 Timothy 58. As early as the Garden of Eden, God established man’s responsibility to be a provider when He instructed Adam to tend and keep the garden Genesis 215. It’s no accident that the Bible refers to God as our Father. Not only does Father describe His true character and nature, but it also points to Him as the perfect example for us to follow. It’s amazing how many times in the New Testament the fatherhood of God is placed alongside human fatherhood to illustrate how we as human fathers can love our children. And one of the ways we do that, according to the book of Timothy, is by providing for our families. With each child that enters the family, it’s a reminder that God has given dads this wonderful privilege and opportunity to provide for their families. Looking back over the years and recognizing how God has enabled us to meet our family’s needs is a joyful, worshipful experience. Just as we want to provide for our children, God wants to provide for us. He’s not a reluctant Father who needs to be convinced to do what we want; He is a willing Father who is eager to answer our requests. The book of Matthew offers a parallel story of God the Father and of human fatherhood Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!Matthew 79-11 The Bible tells us that God is waiting for us to ask Him for what we need. In this same chapter, we find these familiar words “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” verses 7-8. While it is true that He has wired this universe to work through prayer, God simply says, “If you ask, I will answer. If you seek, I will be found. If you knock, the door will be opened.” That attitude of anticipation by our Heavenly Father should be the spirit that we have as human fathers—not reluctant, not having to be broken down, but eager and willing to help our children. 2 Teach your children to be godly – 1 Samuel 2 & 3 The COVID-19 pandemic required many families to shelter in place together for weeks and even months. Some parents welcomed this extra time with their children. Others discovered what their children’s teachers had been telling them for a long time—their kids are wild! As much as we might like to point fingers at the teachers or the kids themselves, God’s Word places responsibility squarely on the parents. Hebrews 126 says, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves” NLT. That’s a good thought, isn’t it? We won’t help our children by withholding discipline. If we allow them to run wild, they won’t be prepared for success in life or in God’s kingdom. Helping our children make the right decisions is an expression of our love. The writer of Hebrews goes on to explain that discipline allows us to share in God’s holiness and to enjoy “the fruit of righteousness” Hebrews 1211. Our goal in administering discipline is to encourage godliness. It is not an opportunity to vent our anger. It’s not because “these kids are driving me crazy!” It’s because we love our children too much to allow them to develop sinful habits that will lead them away from God’s will and the promise of His blessing. 3 Respond with compassion – Psalm 10313-14 Fathers express love to their children by providing for them and disciplining them, but we also have a responsibility to respond with compassion. The goal of our discipline is to help them be their personal best, not perfect. Psalm 10313-14 states, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” NLT. The apostle Paul adds, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” Ephesians 64. Our correction should be constructive, not destructive. The goal of godly discipline is to cultivate good attitudes in our children and to encourage them. When we’re raising our kids, there’s a fine line between maintaining the standard of what is right and understanding that they’re growing, that they’re kids, and that they need grace. We don’t always do that well. That wasn’t the way many of us were brought up. Along with all the rules and standards, it’s important to find a balance—and to have fun too. 4 Recognize their individuality – Genesis 4928 One habit of great parents is that they study their children. Genesis 49 records the blessing that Jacob issued to each of his twelve sons. He didn’t give a blanket statement; he provided something special for every single person in his family. Occasionally a parent will blurt out, “Why can’t you be like your brother,” or “Why can’t you be like your sister?” The obvious answer is that each child is a different person. God has created each one of our children unique. Some of them are athletes, and some of them are musicians, and some of them are into all kinds of different hobbies. And the greatest thing we can do is to love them, nurture them, shape them, know them, and prepare them to step out into this wide world as unique individuals, blessed of God. As parents, our job is to learn about our children. Each of them has their own personality and abilities because each of them is unique. We can set our children free to be the people God created them to be if we will help them find their strengths, their gifts, their talents and then celebrate them for who they are and help them become everything God wants them to be. 5 Reinforce their identity – Colossians 321 When Jesus was baptized, the Bible says a voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Matthew 317. What a great statement that is. I don’t think there’s anything that we can do for our kids, especially in this generation, that’s more important than being their cheerleaders. When my children were growing up, I made a commitment to support them and encourage them by being physically present at their activities. My son, David, played high school basketball, and his games were often in the afternoon. So I would take off early and go to the games. I hardly missed any. But my commitment was tested every time I turned around. One day as I was preparing to leave for a game, I could tell my secretary was having a hard time with someone who wanted to talk to me about a personal crisis he was experiencing. He just kept after her. Finally she said, “No, Dr. Jeremiah can’t see you. He’s already late for an appointment. He’s leaving, and he can’t see you right now.” In order to exit the building, I had to walk through the lobby. And he was there. He walked right up to me and he said, “Where are you going?” When I explained that I was on the way to my son’s basketball game, he threw a fit. In that moment, God gave me a word, and here’s what I said “Sir, there are five guys upstairs who are pastors who can help you. My son only has one dad, and I’m out of here.” Then I left. I trust that man found the help he needed. His needs were important and valid. But periodically, our priorities come in conflict with each other. And sometimes our kids need to take priority over everybody else and everything else. That’s how we pass our values on to our kids. And we don’t do it right all the time. But when we see those values being passed on to the next generation, it is a wonderful thing. Fatherhood is more caught than it is taught, and our kids catch it when they see it happen. Let’s do everything we can to cheer them on to greatness. Sources 1Gretchen Livingston and Kim Parker, “8 Facts About American Dads,” FACTANK News in the Numbers, June 12, 2019, accessed on May 14, 2020. There are a lot of qualities a person looks for in the perfect husband, and for those of us who want to have children at some point, that entails being fairly certain they'll be a good dad when the time comes. Although there's no certain way of telling how any one of us will be as a parent, there are a few tell-tale traits and tendencies that translate to the skills one needs to be a parent — specifically, a great one. If your partner has some of the following 20 qualities, he'll be the World's Greatest Dad straight from the moment that second line shows up on the pregnancy test. And if you're curious about how a woman in your life, maybe yourself, will be as a mom, check out these signs a person will be a great mama. 1 He’s responsible. Responsibility is one of the biggest aspects of parenting, so if he's able to keep a schedule straight, can keep track of his belongings at all times, and knows how to help take care of the house when toys explode all over your life, he should be all set. 1 / 20 2 He’s patient. A patient man will be the dad who lets his child do things at their own pace, giving them the room to explore and learn in their own way. He'll keep at the things he's not great at, he won't get upset when you take out your exhaustion on him, and while you're pregnant, he'll indulge you when you have an impossible food craving at 3 2 / 20 3 He’s observant. Of the world, of you, of the little things. If he notices all of the things both big and small, he'll have the awareness to know when you need help if your child needs something, if there's a household chore that needs to get done, and so much more. 3 / 20 4 He’s understanding. You can trust your understanding partner with all of your feelings and emotions and know that he'll be understanding no matter what. Being empathetic is huge when it comes to raising kids — it'll mean he can put himself in his child's shoes and try his best to understand where they're coming from no matter their age or the situation. 4 / 20 5 He loves dad jokes. This one doesn't need an explanation, nor is it a must-have quality, but any guy who loves dad jokes before becoming a dad is moving in the right dare we say, inevitable? direction. 5 / 20 6 He has his sh*t together. He knows what he's doing with his life and mostly, if not all the way, has his ducks in a row. A guy who can handle those typical life challenges is ready to be faced with the struggles of parenting and will be able to keep his sh*t together in this new stage of life as well. 6 / 20 7 He has a strong stomach. Parents have to deal with a lot of gross sh*t. If your husband has held your hair back a time or two during a bout of the flu or after a particularly boozy night, doesn't faint at the sight of blood, and can stand strong smells, he should be good to go. 7 / 20 8 He loves to have fun. There aren't too many people out there who don't love to have a good time, but a partner who especially loves having fun and can see the fun in any situation is going to be the dad who can entertain his kids no matter where they are, and who will create fun activities and adventures for his kids that they'll remember fondly. 8 / 20 9 He’s affectionate. A man who isn't afraid to show his love will be the dad who snuggles his kids, hugs them often, and openly shares his loving feelings towards his them. 9 / 20 10 He’s goofy. Dads are the goofiest guys on the planet aside from grandpas, maybe. If your partner cracks you up on the regular, chances are he'll be trying to get constant laughs out of your kids, who will find him as humorous as you do. 10 / 20 11 He’s sensitive to your needs. He can tell when you need space, a break, or a hug without even having to ask, and when you have children, he'll be able to do the same for them and for a new, sleep-deprived version of you. 11 / 20 12 He likes — or at least offers — to cook. No matter how you split parenting duties between the two of you, having a husband who's competent in the kitchen at least enough to make classic kid foods like grilled cheese and chicken nuggets means that mealtimes won't always fall on you or your favorite takeout location in a pinch. 12 / 20 13 He handles stress well. Even if you're stressed to your breaking point, he's cool and collected, always. He knows how to compartmentalize his stress without getting overwhelmed or upset, which will be huge when you're attempting to figure out how to care for a newborn, and later when you have a testy toddler running around the house. 13 / 20 14 He enjoys quality time with you at home. If your guy can hang around the house without getting stir crazy, or better yet, prefers to do so, that's a sure sign he'll be ready to spend a ton of nights in once you become parents and don't have the energy to go out, let alone make it to the couch to watch TV before nodding off. 14 / 20 15 He’s protective when he needs to be. If he's protective enough to look out for his family's wellbeing and keep them out of trouble, but not so protective it's obsessive, he's going to do just fine as a dad. Parenting is a huge balance of knowing when to help and when to let go. 15 / 20 16 He’s handy. Whether he's fixing a doorknob, screwing in the handle of a pot, or putting up fencing in the backyard, chances are he'll have no issues when it comes to fixing broken toys, building IKEA baby furniture, and the entire house. 16 / 20 17 He talks about the tough stuff openly. Not one to clam up, a good dad is the partner who you know can address the big topics without shying away or making things awkward. This quality will definitely help when it's time to talk about sex, sickness or death, and world issues. 17 / 20 18 He has a good relationship with his parents. Although not essential, as everyone comes from different types of family backgrounds, seeing a man engage in healthy relationships with his parents is just a bonus. 18 / 20 19 He loves you, and shows it. One of the things your kids will remember when they're older is your relationship with your partner, which will likely play a part in how they view their own relationships. Seeing showings of love between their parents will set the tone for how they approach love in all its forms. 19 / 20 20 He genuinely wants to be a dad. Simple as that. If he wants to be a dad, he'll do so to the best of his abilities. 20 / 20 “My father is a man like no other. He gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, hugged me, dressed me, kissed me, shouted at me, but most importantly he loved me unconditionally.” – AnonymousOver the years I’ve come to realize just how much my dad has done for me and I’m extremely grateful for him. My dad is my truly believe that my father is an awesome man. Dad’s possess certain qualities that just make them outstanding. A good father makes all the difference in a child’s life!Do you think your dad is a truly awesome man? If so, here are some signs that you should be incredibly grateful to still have your father around!1. He is a handy the person you go to when your bike tire needs to be patched or if your shower head has broken off. Your dad most likely has his own tool bag and can fix almost anything that you break!2. He is open good dad understands that the world is continuing to change and so are the people. He doesn’t try to keep the 1970’s in style, but instead he conforms to the new way of living and allows his children to be citizens in their day and age – use social media, use current lingo, etc. ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄ ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄3. He has a good sense of dad is usually the one cracking the jokes and smiling all the time. You know when your dad is enjoying himself at a dinner party because you can hear his hearty laugh from across the kitchen!Awesome dads tend to have a great sense of humor and they don’t always take everything in life so He believes in your dad ever invested himself into something you wanted to do? Has he ever told you he’s confident in your ability to attain that certain goal? This is just a clear sign that your father believes in what you stand for, what you want to accomplish in life and ultimately, in you. 5. He is one of your best one of the first people to know about something new happening in your life and you regularly chat and hang out with him. You can talk to him about whatever is on your mind and he always shares some of his stories and fatherly wisdom with He treats your mom like a great father respects, values and thinks highly of his children’s mother. You even know what true love looks like because your dad expresses it everyday to his wife. ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄ ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄He’s always singing sweet songs to her, he goes out of his way to please her and he always treats her with tenderness and He is a good dads love their children but they won’t let them get away with first degree uses tough love through the power of his words and actions to prove his point, but he’d never try to scar you internally or externally to teach you a He accepts your flaws and remember the only time I’ve ever been arrested, I expected my dad to beat the hell out of me. To my surprise I didn’t get a whooping, but instead he felt sympathetic to my position and accepted the circumstances of the He is one of the only people that can be counted on to be there for you and your family through thick and You and your dad spend quality time was always there on the bench watching and supporting you at your sporting events. Other times you’d need help with your homework and he’d always make the time to help you, every night if He is a role has great character. He doesn’t just tell you how you should go about living your life, he shows you. He’s kind to your mom, patient with you, works hard at his job… ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄ ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄He presents himself appropriately at all times and never does things he wouldn’t want you to do. He lives by the values he’d like his children to embody for He has an unselfish always doing things in the best interest and needs of his spouse and children. If your dad is always giving to others this is just a clear sign that he is an unselfish dads tend to put the best interests of those close to him first, over their He gives great you have some sort of issue, you can go to your dad for his takes the time to listen to your problems with opens ears and an open heart, and then he always comes up with a possible solution for you to take He is loved by wants your dad to attend that special occasion and if he’s not there yet, they’re always wondering where he could your friends don’t mind having your dad hang around with them playing Call of Duty! He’s an enjoyable person to be He protects his family at all dad is the man of the house. He’s a steady provider and works to see that his family has all the necessities of life. He will do whatever it takes to make sure his family is living comfortably. ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄ ⌄ Scroll down to continue reading article ⌄This means he might get two jobs just to pay off all of the bills, but he gets them because he wants you to sleep in an air conditioned dad has built a strong foundation from which to help raise you into the best person you can You can’t imagine how you would’ve turned out without your definitely know I can’ dad has been such a powerful and impactful force within my life that I have no clue how I would’ve turned out without just wanted to say thank you dad for all that you’ve done, you are truly love tell your dad today how much you appreciate him!Featured photo credit father and baby son playing in sea water via

my father is a good man he loves his family