how to be a good dad

Poop · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 04:37 PM

so, i'm not sure this is really the place to go for advice like this. but i figured at least a few here could cough up some good advice i might be glad to have later on.

i have a little over a week before my little boy gets here. i remember growing up making notes to myself what i would or would not do as a father... and now i wonder if i've forgotten most of that. i'm sure i'll end up doing alright, but...

as long as i'm sitting around thinking about it so much these days, i figured i'd ask y'all to chime in with whatever nuggets you have to pass along, things to remember on tough days, or whatever else might help me see things better.

so, if you don't mind, whatcha got?

KevL · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 04:42 PM

Give them your love and your time. If you think they're doing something wrong, then they probably are.....

KevL · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 04:46 PM

Something I saved that was making the rounds via email....

FATHERS WHO DRUGGED US!!! The other day, someone at a store in our
town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in
the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question. Why
didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?' I
replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church
on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I
was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also
drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home
a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or
the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that
was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth
washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity I was drug out to pull
weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out
some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or
chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single
dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the
woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my
behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than
cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug
problem... The world would be a better place. God bless
the parents who drugged us!

Captain America · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 04:49 PM

When I look back at how my Dad was with me growing up, I can't help but be thankful that he let me be me. My Dad was a journeyman minor league baseball player, when I was a kid I really liked sports and was a pretty good baseball player, but I loved motorcycles. I think back and my Dad was never the one trying to relive his youth through me. I don't ever remember seeing my Dad with a wrench in his hand, but wrenching was all I wanted to do, and he encouraged me to do so. He would let me watch racing on TV, even though he didn't want too. Now, he cannot get around at all, but we can talk sports AND racing....Thanks Dad!

golfish · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 05:07 PM

I love my kids but I've always thought of myself as a really bad father. Just love em and spoil the shit out of em.

Buff · #6 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 06:35 PM

Well there is a list of things not to do but that is pretty common sense.
&
As I look back on the lessons that have gotten me by I would put the knowledge of how to do without things( not be a Nimrod ), to cherish the things you have, how to make a dollar, and most important to be happy with who God made you to be.

beebster · #7 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 08:08 PM

I Have two boys that are 2 1/2 and 3 3/4.
and the biggest thing to remember is that they
Are little sponges! and what we do and act like is
what they will Want to do and act like!!!!!!!!!
until they hit preschool we are the main info source,
That means monkey see monkey do!
Oh ya did i mention they are little
SPONGES Those little brains are empty
When they pop out of mom
And im glad i took my friends advice in that
i have been at my wifes side for almost all their
Milestones so far, trust me on this... You wont regret it

beebster · #8 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 08:14 PM

Squeeze just said to me " if ya dont want piece
Of shit dont act like one"
One other thing...
CONGRATS and ENJOY!!!!

big_country · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 08:49 PM

I don't know too much. I have a 6 month old daughter, and I will tell you this. There is nothing in the world like it. You won't be able to do anything but love him to death. You won't want to do anything else but be at home for the next 2-3 months. My daughter is changing every day. Even though I have only been a dad for 6 months I will say this. Be good and be good at being you, because there is a good chance he will watch you and grow up to be you.

manser · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 09:50 PM

Poop

I don't think there really is a check list that applies to every kid, so you'll more or less have to play it by ear

But having said that, it's gonna be the best task you ever had. You're about to enter a world that will change your view on life. All of a sudden a new top priority will enter your life, and you're gonna have a fuckload of great experiences and happy memories thrown at you. But at the same time this little boy will bring a new aspect of worrying into your life. There's no fear like when you worry for your kids. I'm not talking about illnesses (God forbid it) but just small things, like not being home at the usual time, bad school reports, bad company and so on. Thank God this is usually not on a daily basis, and is by far outweighed by all the joy he'll bring you.
Remember, he's not a replica of you - work with him, and you'll be a great team. Teach him to follow his dreams, and never go for second best. Life is a treasure, that deserves to be cherished.
I'm sure you'll make a great dad - you'll make mistakes - everybody has - but all in all I'm sure you'll be great

I'll wish you, Little Poop and Mama Poop all the best, and remember the sooner he get's to wrenching, the better he gets at it

MAKO6 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 10:03 PM

Sit down and color with your boy (metaphorically). As long as children have something to do with their hands (and minds) they will grow up with a sense of accomplishment. ALWAYS participate in yours kids activities (they will remember).

Try your best NOT to have video games in the house...!!!! (they were never allowed in my daughters hands) and she learned to love the sound of a "ratchet"..

Love them and respect them through their developing years...

Good Luck

Mak

Mak

80-80 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-18-2010, 08:21 AM

Teach them principles, by word and deed. Teach them to do things for themselves, wrench, carpentry,cooking, etc. Teach them to read, if it's in a book I can learn how to do something. Guide don't force. Let them know they are loved on a daily basis.

Quade · #13 (**permalink**) 11-18-2010, 08:28 AM

I got a 6 year old little girl of my own Poop, best thing I can tell you is remember what its liekt o be a kid and let them be kids and have fun while they can. The world is an ugly place and they will be thrust into it far to soon enough as it is, so let them have fun. Also, if you let them, kids will give you back your childhood better than you remember it. I know mine does.

DB · #14 (**permalink**) 11-18-2010, 08:49 AM

Teach your kid the Roy Rogers Riders Rules!! If you can get your kid to comply with those rules, he won't turn out gay and he will be a good guy!

And don't smoke pot around the kid!

Quade · #15 (**permalink**) 11-18-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DB

Teach your kid the Roy Rogers Riders Rules!! If you can get your kid to comply with those rules, he won't turn out gay and he will be a good guy!

And don't smoke pot around the kid!

OOPS!!!!! lol