Becoming a great father is a lifelong journey that requires patience, love, and understanding. It’s not just about providing financial support, but also being emotionally present and offering guidance to your children. A great father is someone who is a role model, teacher, and friend to his children. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring 19 essential traits that every great father should possess, ranging from qualities like responsibility and empathy to leadership and courage. These traits will help guide you as you work towards becoming the best father possible for your children. Whether you’re a new dad or have been a parent for many years, this post will provide valuable insights and tips for you to take your fatherhood to the next level.
Storytelling
We all forget most of what our fathers teach us, but we never forget a good story. My dad wasn’t always the dad of the year but he instilled some amazing lessons in me through stories (one was about him burning down a bridge). Stories can last generations.
Accountable
Fathers show up. When it’s hard, easy, early, or late. They show up for their family, friends, wife, kids. This is something that should happen naturally as a father. As a father, we should strive for our kids to know that they can always count on us.
Confidence
Confidence is contagious. Confident dads raise confident kids. Confident kids become confident adults. The cycle continues until generations are impacted by a confident father. Men you need to believe in yourself and exude confidence.
Discipline
My dad battled with alcohol, but he was disciplined (stay with me). There were nights when he would crash into bed only to wake up 3 hours later for work. He never missed a day. Thankfully I haven’t picked up the drinking habit, but I show up every day.
Presence
Fathers need to be present. In a day where cell phones are raising children, it is rare to find a father who wants to truly spend time with his children. Children will learn so much from you spending time with them. Make sure it’s a priority.
Patience
My father had a short fuse, I don’t. I promised myself that my kids would always be comfortable around me and never worry about me blowing up on them. Kids should have discipline but not fear when it comes to their father. Practice patience daily.
Humility
Fathers shouldn’t care about possessions or social status. This creates generations of people who are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. Instead, kids need to learn how to be successful while still serving others. A heart of humility will go a long way.
Sense of humor
The sound of my laughter from my child is the best sound on this earth. Knowing that it’s because I have a princess crown on during our afternoon tea party makes it even better. Don’t be the father who never laughs, let go of your pride and be present.
Integrity
My dad taught me that if you aren’t doing it when no one is watching, you’re wrong. Fathers must teach their children that it’s about doing everything right all the time no matter the praise. Kids will learn from you where that line is drawn, act accordingly.
Sacrifice
Family requires sacrifice. I learned this the day I watched my dad at dinner not eating. I asked him where his food was and he said he wasn’t hungry. I realized that we were low on money and he went without so that I could have something. That’s sacrifice.
Consistency
How many fathers do you know who are different every day? This is something that I have been passionate about since the day I became a father. I want my kids to know that I am the same person every day no matter what happens. Be steady, daily.
Encouraging
Life is hard. It’s harder without people in your corner. As a father, we should strive to be the ultimate encourager in our kid’s lives. This doesn’t mean not giving them the hard truths, it means being there in the good and bad times.
Love his wife
This is important. Children need to know that their mom is a priority. How you speak to her, they will speak like that. How you treat her, is how they will treat her. Set the example every day for your family through the love that you show your wife.
Empathy
Everybody’s broken. That’s what your children need to learn from you. They will watch how you interact with the cashier, the homeless man, and everyone around you. Let them learn how to treat people through your actions.
Protector
Your family should look to you for safety. Be the father that no matter the situation you can protect your family. Be in physical shape and be willing to make the decisions that are required to protect your family. A father should always protect his family.
Lifelong Learner
Life is better when you learn from everyone you meet. Teach your kids that everyone around them has unique experiences that can help them grow and be successful. My dad taught me to learn something new everyday and now I teach my children the same.
Discernment
Common sense is taught. It is taught through the situations you put your children in to learn. It is taught through your children watching you make daily decisions. Let your kids learn how to know right from wrong from you.
Sense of purpose
Fathers who wake up everyday with a drive to win that day will raise kids who do the same. Fathers should know the direction that they are going and why they are doing it. The purpose is what drives you when motivation fades.
Emotional intelligence
Fathers need to be human. Teach your children that being able to relate to people and understand what drives them is a superpower. Share your struggles so that you raise children that can share theirs. It will change your kid’s lives.
