What makes a good father?

Question

I'm helping raise a little kid right now, so I wonder... what makes a good father in your eyes.

I'd say:

Time together doing something

Providing firm boundaries and consequences

Providing opportunities to learn and explore, teaching. Patience

Showing you care in ways you show it.

IslaTheWitch · Accepted Answer

what makes a good parent in my eyes? it doesn't matter...

what matters are children's needs, and a good parent listens to them...

but any parent has to have or learn a few traits that make parenthood easier...

patience - kids are new to this world and won't know or understand anything... including their own feelings and impressions... so kids cry if they feel pain or are emotionally overwhelmed or feel bad emotionally or physically... and they often can't say why they cry... they can yell when they are frustrated and feel not understood... they can hit their parents... but a good parent will understand that none of those behaviors are directed against them... it's the only way the kid knows...

so a good parent will help overwhelmed kid to calm down, will secure their emotional and physical needs... and when the kid is big enough they will talk about behaviors and feelings that cause them... they will help them find alternative acceptable behavior to express those emotions...

a good parent doesn't need to discipline their kids... because their relationship is based on mutual respect... and kids learn to respect parents who respect them in natural way by observing it...

listen to your kids - they have all information the parent needs to help them grow... they can say or show what they like and dislike and a good parent will listen to it and respect it... it also include people... kids have the right to like and dislike people and a good parent won't force them to spend time with someone they don't like... and if their preferences are respected... they very likely change with time, when the kid starts to understand more

respect - yes... even a newborn deserves a respect... they can like or dislike things and respecting their preferences creates a happy little human... even if a parent thinks it's not good for a kid to eat only peanut butter toast every single day for all meals... as long as the doctor says the blood tests are good and no severe mental problem occurs, it's alright... kids have their phases and they disappear after a few weeks or months... so the respect creates a safe environment to express their thoughts and preferences... a good parent would appreciate it, especially that during puberty kids grow apart from parents... and maintaining a healthy relationship is very hard... so the earlier wen show our kid we respect their preferences and opinions, the easier it will be to maintain this respect based relationship in the future...

also kids raised in respectful environments rarely face problems related to low self-esteem, can take a good care of themselves and show care and respect to other people

and a good parent... doesn't think they are in any aspect better than their kids... because they are not... and accepting this fact is crucial for developing a healthy relationship with their children...

northerngal · Accepted Answer

Say yes more often. Your child wants to play... say yes. Your child asks for help with homework... say yes. You child needs you to listen... say yes. Childhood passes quickly. This time is precious and your child wants your time. Say yes more often and both you and your child will benefit. Its the perfect win win.

molonski2 · Accepted Answer

As a father..

1. Involvement / Participation

2 . Education.

3 . Conversation always as an adult ( NO Child talk.. you can't learn from that )

4 . Creation of opportunity.

5 . Stability / Consistency

6 . Self responsibility / Outcomes

7 . Physical activity / Sport / Diet ( No processed sugars to addict )

Now , each topic can be well expanded on in detail , but all are vitally important , never , ever , ever underestimate a child , this is where most people are completely inaccurate , they use child talk , and they think attacking their child is discipline and education , ITS NOT..

Children become great adults when you allow their minds to expand , again NEVER underestimate.

DJB72 · Accepted Answer

Be genuine. Don't force something you aren't. Kids pick that up very quickly.

My brother in law thought he had to take his son camping and fishing so he got all the gear and never used it because it's not who he is.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

A good father provides love, guidance, and security. Time spent together fosters strong bonds and shared experiences. Firm yet fair boundaries teach responsibility and respect. Encouraging exploration and learning nurtures curiosity and growth. Patience in all interactions is crucial, allowing space for mistakes and lessons. Showing care through actions and words builds trust and emotional security. Ultimately, being present, both physically and emotionally, makes a lasting impact on a child’s development. Remember, it's the small moments and consistent support that create a strong father-child relationship.

Billlewis · Answer

Marrying a woman who has a child by another guy and raising them as my own.

BobbieBoy666 · Answer

A good father is someone who actively shows love, provides support and guidance, actively engages with their children, sets a positive example, prioritizes their well-being, listens attentively, disciplines with care, and is present in their lives, essentially acting as a nurturing and protective figure who helps their children grow into healthy individuals.
Key qualities of a good father include:
Love and affection: Demonstrating genuine love and warmth towards their children.
Presence and engagement: Actively spending quality time with their children, being present and fully engaged during interactions.
Communication: Open and honest communication, actively listening to their children's concerns and thoughts.
Discipline with care: Setting clear boundaries and expectations while also being understanding and supportive when disciplining.
Nurturing: Providing emotional support and encouragement, helping children navigate challenges.
Role modeling: Demonstrating positive behaviors and values through their own actions.
Teaching and guidance: Providing instruction and guidance on important life skills and values.
Adaptability: Adjusting parenting style to fit the child's needs and developmental stages.
Protection: Ensuring their children's safety and well-being.
Respectful: Treating their children with respect and valuing their opinions.

WhiteSteve · Answer

Teaching them to have empathy, first and foremost. The worst humans we have to offer are the ones with underdeveloped empathy.

Beyond that: decency, respect, manners, morals, chivalry, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Teach them to be a man without falling into being a caricature of machismo. We’re all stocked up on fake-“alpha male” wannabe tough guys, we need to be decreasing the number. The “alpha male” (LOL) traits are largely detrimental and should not be fostered as “the way.” “Speak softly, and carry a big stick”, Teddy had it right. Always be a gentleman, until it’s time to not be. Teach them that nothing in this life should be done “because money.” Having a pure soul is far more important than prosperity.

MemeSupreme · Answer

ik you've heard everything so far but here's one

asking them how their day was and just about their interests. maybe even try to inform yourself about them so you can talk about them. ik your kid is little rn so it doesn't matter but later on it'd be cool. my grandma does that and i've always appreciated it

beenherebefore · Answer

To me a good father is someone who feels like the safest haven and the strictest person at the same time. I believe that in order to be a good gather you need to know or at least try to have a good balance between being a loving parent and an educator.

Valdemort · Answer

More than anything: being present. Actively present. But I guess that's a basic...

Ariesman81 · Answer

A watchful eye An ability to see the entire picture  A backbone strong enough to protect them from misinformation  Good reflexes

KITEinStorm · Answer

I can tell you not to do these;

- Don't try to be his friend, you are a father. he/she can find friends everywhere, don't stop being a father.

- Never discourage him or trivialize what he says.

- Never lie to him so that he doesn't hide behind the lie.

-Don't break his trust so he knows he has a father he can always trust.

exitseven · Answer

Provide an environment that allows the kid the opportunity to learn and grow and encourage curiosity and provide a good role model.

Magda1992 · Answer

Them spending time with you read , play with kids etc.

Professor-college · Answer

I can imagine it's a man who is patient and knows how to explain something to his children without the need of violence all the time

UrsulaY · Answer

I think kids want them dependable and present. They are easy.

MikeRJ · Answer

I agree with your list.

Gabriel-Chicanito · Answer

Caring & support.

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