The I-CANs of Fatherhood
Many of today’s fathers want to know how to be a better dad. Does that describe you?
Although there is plenty of advice available, you probably don’t want to be overwhelmed with information; you just want simple tips to help you do your best and be the father your children need. So here’s our answer to the question, for all you dads who want an easy-to-remember fathering plan. We call it the I-CANs.
Dad, you can learn and grow in your fathering, and those four letters – I-C-A-N – stand for four key fundamentals of fathering, according to our research involving thousands of dads. (And we hope it sticks in your mind whenever you get confused or discouraged. Just remember: I CAN be a better father.)
First, Involvement means spending time with your kids.
It’s playing, working on homework, going somewhere in the car, or just hanging out. For some dads, much of their involvement will involve talking on the phone. Involvement can be just the two of you or the whole family, although regular one-on-one time with a child is important. Involvement means being there for the major events and the small moments of daily living: when there’s a shoe to tie or a diaper to change, for the dance recitals and the big games, or just playing Candyland, hide-and-seek or even XBox.
C is for Consistency.
How regular and predictable are you in your moods, habits, and behavior? Consistent dads stick it out even in the face of hardship, and they follow through on commitments to their children even when it means making personal sacrifices. They set clear expectations and hold their children accountable in positive ways. Kids need to know what to expect—especially when it comes to the one man who provides the anchor through all the ups and downs and uncertainties of life. And yet, these dads are also flexible and willing to make adjustments when they see the need to do so.
Awareness is the third dimension of effective fathering.
This is about actively seeking to know your children and their world, which is much different from our world. It’s knowing what to expect from children at a certain age and knowing what sets your children apart from their peers. Get to know them: What are their gifts, fears, frustrations, and dreams? Who or what influences them? What motivates them? What embarrasses them? (The list goes on.) This awareness equips you to act with confidence when you sense potential pitfalls in your child’s path.
N represents Nurturance, which is expressing love to your child.
Some dads aren’t comfortable in the realm of emotions because their fathers weren’t great at showing them love; those dads just focus on other areas of their kids’ lives. But verbal and physical affirmation from a nurturing father is powerful to your children. It helps them feel secure and confident as they explore the world. So give lots of hugs and pats on the back, and be proactive about encouraging them verbally every day.
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For more about each of the I-CANs, see the article categories linked above or these featured articles:
What Consistency Looks Like in a Dad: 5 Keys
Knowing Your Child: Awareness Can Revitalize Your Fathering
More articles on one or more of the I-CANs are archived below …
Want even more? There are chapters on each of the I-CANS in Dr. Ken Canfield’s book, The Heart of a Father.
Recent articles on The I-CANs – How to Be a Better Dad
Imperfect Dads Doing Our Best
We all make mistakes. There are ways we need to improve. But we’re still heroes in our kids’ eyes.
Recognize the Importance of Being Present
How to Be a Better Dad by David Hirsch: Kids want our time and attention and involvement, and we need to be intentional in these 4 areas.
The Very Best of Fatherhood
Three excerpts from kids’ essays highlight fathering commitment and the value of little things we do as dads.
7 Life Lessons One Dad Learned From His Kids
by Joshua Becker: Children add joy, purpose, and fulfillment to our lives. And given the chance, they will teach us valuable life lessons.
Education: Finding Healthy Balance
Whatever your natural tendencies might be in this area, how can you move toward more healthy involvement in your child’s education?
View Each Day as an Opportunity
How to Be a Better Dad by Matt Haviland: I push myself to be a better dad by taking it one day at a time and learning as I go.
3 Ways to Transmit Values to Your Children
We’re creating a storehouse of images and memories in our kids’ minds that could live on and shape important decisions they face as adults.
Be Intentional About Legacy
Leaving a legacy is about thinking beyond today, but being purposeful about today. Investments in your kids will have an impact for years to come.
Taylor’s Father’s Day Tribute to His Dad
Taylor has a great dad, and he probably isn’t all that different from you. The simple things you do make you a hero in your kids’ eyes.
A Father’s Legacy is the Sum of His Choices
How to Be a Better Dad by Rick Wertz – I woke up to the reality that there are many ways dads provide for their families beyond finances.