Elizabeth Badejo Shares 4 Simple Tips For Dads Who Want To Get It Right With Parenting

According to family and life coach, Elizabeth Badejo, a dad’s position in the family is a sensitive one that has the power to make or break his children.

When you understand the impacts that your life has on your children, you will appreciate the simple acts of love to boost your relationship with them, explains Mrs. Badejo.

Even though children are naturally drawn to their parents and yearn for a healthy relationship with them at all times,  some dads find that they aren’t ‘clicking’ just as much as they would like with their children.

She shares four simple tips to help dads parent better, see below:

1.Communicate in love

One of the most important attributes of a good father is the ability to communicate well with his children as communication sets the tone for many positive outcomes in a father-child relationship. Fairness plays a big role in communication. Be objective and give your children the confidence to express their opinions. Listen more and be less critical so that you can have an honest relationship filled with opportunities to share in their highs and lows too.

READ ALSO: Dads: Six Things Your Sons Need From You

2. Encourage with love 

Children naturally have huge desires to make their fathers proud especially in a society where achievements are core values and celebrated in every stage of their development from kindergarten. Fathers who are consistent in encouraging their children with words in little things are more likely to increase their natural enthusiasm for success in all spheres of life.

Children love positive reinforcement especially when you use words that are specifically targeted at their good efforts as this can boost their self-confidence and their ability to do better. When you become the source of encouragement to your children, you will be making a lot of difference by giving them the strength even when they fail and the privilege of knowing that you will always have their backs.

3. Consistency is love

Fatherhood is a selfless act of sacrifice in many ways and being mindful of the impact of stability in raising well-balanced children. Children need consistency in their lives and when this is coming from their father, they are more likely to feel safe and happily trust your decisions too.

Responsibilities have been redefined since the COVID-19 pandemic and more fathers are taking up the role to stay at home and look after their children while their spouses go to work. If this is your value, grab the opportunity to be present and consistent.

Consistency teaches your children the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the freedom of choice. Your children are more likely to follow the rules and limitations you set for them when you remain consistent in your commitments towards them. It’s a simple act of love and reciprocal in maintaining a positive father-child relationship.

4. Discipline in love

Some fathers are known to be authoritarian and children are only meant to be seen and not heard while rules must be followed and grievous consequence applied when disobeyed. Many children have fallen out with their fathers due to the severe discipline they received which has continued to undermine them.

Your children will not only imagine what you did but also how your actions made them feel and this type of thought can also influence them in their adult life. The main goal of discipline is to correct as well as to guide them towards making better choices.  When you discipline your children in love, they are more likely to exhibit good behaviours that will gradually warm their hearts back towards wisdom and obedience.