A father plays a vital role in the life of every child. He’s a pillar of strength, support and joy. He does everything he can to make his family happy and healthy. His work is endless and, at times, thankless. But he knows that the effort will pay off in a lifetime of sound, well-adjusted children.
Anyone can be a dad, but it takes a special man to be a good one. The following are a few qualities that define a great father:
He Puts Others Before Himself
A good father is considerate of his family’s needs and wants. He makes sure to balance his own personal interests with his responsibilities as a parent. He’ll take the time to enjoy his favorite hobbies, but also encourages his kids to pursue activities he thinks will be beneficial to their growth and development. He’s the type of dad who will drop his own football game to go cheer on his daughter’s soccer team or who’ll skip a night out with friends to stay home and watch a movie with his kids.
He’s Loving
A great father is loving and kind. He teaches his kids to be loving and respectful, especially towards women. He models these traits for them to follow, and he’s always there to listen if they ever need to talk. He never makes fun of his kids’ mistakes, but he’s firm about rules and expectations. He’ll teach his children the value of money by taking them to the bank to deposit paychecks, and he’ll help them choose wise investments.
He’s a Provider
A responsible father will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. He’ll take a second job if necessary, or he’ll work the graveyard shift just so he can get his family food on the table. He’ll even sacrifice his own happiness to keep the lights on and his family fed. The most important thing a father can do is give his family the financial stability they need to thrive.
A good father is a playful and affectionate companion. He will demonstrate physical affection by holding and cuddling his children. He will make his kids feel safe and loved, and he’ll never fight with their mother in front of them. He’ll be proud of their accomplishments and successes, but he’ll be equally supportive if they don’t attain their goals. He’ll teach them the importance of work and diligence, but he’ll also emphasize the value of compassion, empathy, and humility.