Recently, some political commentators have called for a return to more civil discourse. And it's a valid concern; there's a need for civility in many areas of our culture — more courtesy and respect in our actions and our speech.
A Pep Talk for the Second Half
At the start of a new year, as some are making new resolutions (or at least thinking about making changes), here's a suggestion from author Bob Barnes that should be helpful for all dads who have kids in any level of school: Look at the New Year as a kind of "halftime."
The 2nd Most Important Book Your Kids Will Ever Read
Do your children know your philosophy on life? Do they know what your core values are, and where you stand on important topics that impact their lives? Have you ever thought about putting it in writing?
The Dad Who Blesses
With the last name of Smith, my wife and I hoped to set our boys apart by giving them first names found off the beaten path. We started out alright with Isaac and Noah. In 1993 when Joshua came along, we had no idea it was destined to be one of the most popular names of the entire decade. We gave Gideon a name so seldom used he can't find a personalized bike plate anywhere!
That Sinking Feeling of Failure
Have your best intentions as a father ever ended in disaster? Have you ever fallen flat on your face with your kids? I certainly have. But when faced with that sinking feeling of failure, I always remember a story my dad used to tell me about his days in the Royal Air Force as a boat builder.
Opening our Eyes, Discovering Our Children
A short video reveals that there may be areas of our kids’ lives that we’re ignoring, even though they’re right in front of us.
Be the Good Boss
If a dad just tries to be the disciplinarian without building a foundation where his kids trust and respect him, it will end in failure.
How to Spy on Your Kids
Don’t let your kids read this article. DON’T LET YOUR KIDS READ THIS ARTICLE. They don’t need to know all your secrets. Now, because my five kids will eventually read the following paragraphs, I may have to deliver this concept in dad-to-dad code, but I have a good sense you’re smart enough to read between the lines.
Ways to Protect Your Child’s Innocence
Just last month, a statistic was released that should be a concern for fathers: For the first time since 1990, there was an increase in teen pregnancies in 2006 (by 3%).
Mental Map Fatherhood
Do you ever feel lost as a father? Does it seem like your idea of what should be happening … isn't? Maybe the path your child is taking or the level of success he is achieving doesn't quite match up with your timeline?
There’s No Such Thing As Quality Time
A Dad’s Point-Of-View
I keep learning this great lesson. It's something I know, but seem to have to experience repeatedly for it to sink into my stubborn head. With kids, there's no such thing as quality time, only quantity time.
Family Dinner … Why?
What is your family schedule like? Does it ever seem like all the family members are going in different directions all the time? One way to fight that trend is to make dinner time a priority.
Categories
Welcome to the fathers.com fathering library.
On the left you will see how our blogs and articles are categorized. Choose your stage in the fathering journey under Your Kids, click on a specific situation that applies to you, or browse through the items in our hot topics and fathering fundamentals. Also, check out Tools for the Journey – short downloadable pieces with tips for specific challenges.
“I Want to Know About Fatherhood”
A few years back, we received an e-mail from a man who isn’t a father and doesn’t want children, but his wife does. Here’s what he wrote: I want to know more about fatherhood. Most of what I read says that I’ll learn to love poopy diapers, sleepless nights, constant...
Daughters, Legacy and Thinking Backward
by Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD, LPC Most of you dads have played sports at some point in your life—and if not, maybe you competed in debate, music, science, or some other pursuit. And I’m sure you know that every single time you step onto the field or court, you...
Spiritual Equipping: Raising Kids to Be Discerning
Mike served eleven years in prison. He comes from a family of ten children, and at one time, six of his family members were locked away. Collectively, they have given America’s prisons nearly 100 years of their lives. Mike has learned a lot because of his hardships,...
How to Actively Listen to Your Child
We live in a world of distractions. And dad, your child is not one of them. There have never been this many different things competing for our attention. As they add more apps and capabilities to our smart phones and more streaming services with more interesting...
Kids Need a Dad Who Loves (or Respects) Their Mom
As dads, we need each other. One of the best ways to grow as a father is to meet regularly with other like-minded guys. We see that other dads share some of the same experiences, and we’re more likely to open up about our own issues. As dads, we’re not alone, and we...
3 Questions for Dads on Providing for Your Family
What does it mean to provide for our children in today’s world? ... especially as roles and expectations have changed pretty drastically in the past few generations. Yes, providing is still an important aspect of being a dad. And along with Protecting our children,...
Protecting Our Kids: Body, Mind and Heart
Fatherhood has changed a lot in the last few generations. In some ways that’s good, and we could surely find some changes that are not so positive. But if we went back 50 years and asked an average person about what a father’s role is, there’s a good chance the answer...
Kids Need Consistent, Reliable Dads
What makes a good umpire in baseball? Is it flawless eyesight? Confidence? Decisiveness? Experience? Maybe the ability to deal with angry managers? Yes. Yes. And yes. But if you ask the players, most likely the quality at the top of their list would be something...
3 Ways to Better Know Your Children (and Avoid Some Surprises)
As dads, maybe the feelings we want to avoid the most are the disappointment, confusion, and remorse of being surprised by a major issue or challenge in a child’s life ... Someone your 9-year-old son has been chatting with online turns out to be a predator. Your...
Dad: Live Out an Unwavering Commitment
by Ken Canfield, Ph.D. There’s one factor that’s far and away the most important indicator that a man will succeed with his children: his commitment to them. The most effective fathers have a driving passion and an unfailing motivation to do their best for their...
New Year, Better Dad
Dad: this isn’t about a resolution. (Unless you’re into that.) Whatever you want to call it, the beginning of a new year is a natural time to make a positive change or start a new habit. And you should at least consider some ways to grow as a father. Reflect on what...
“I’m Proud of You Because …”
by Ken Canfield, Ph.D. Dad, if you’re anything like me, you’re very proud of your kids. Sometimes the simplest things they do can bring a lump to your throat or a tear to your eye. And I know ... Many of us notice our kids’ positive qualities and accomplishments, but...