Helpful Hints For Healthy Parenting
Especially for Fathers!
You are important to your child!
- All children need lots of love and support. You, as a Dad, play a big part in providing that love and support.
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| When Dads take an interest in their children's lives, they are telling their children they are valued, cared for and important. |
| Spending time with your children gives them a better chance of growing up to be happy adults. |
You don't have to be an expert to be a great Dad!
There are many ways to spend time with your children and to show that you are interested in what they are doing and in their joys and sorrows. With some imagination, some helpful hints, and some confidence, no matter what the ages of your children or whether or not you live in the same household, you can make your time quality time.
Working with your children's Mom
Whether or not you and your children's Mom are living together, you can find ways to spend time with your children. Talk together and decide what will be helpful and easy to arrange for your children and each parent.
Helpful Hints for being involved in your children's lives
'Doing' Together:
| Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Ask where your children's friends live, what kind of activities they like to do with their friends. |
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Talk about the things your child sees as interesting. |
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Play outdoor games together. Ride bikes, play ball games, have a race, go to the park for a swing and play Frisbee. |
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Play indoor games together - cards, board games, video games, draw some pictures. Playing games together is fun and helps develop skills and friendship. |
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Use ordinary objects around the house to create play space - build a fort with blankets, make music with pots and spoons, create a puppet show. Using imagination can open new worlds for your child and you. |
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Watch your child's favorite television show together. Talk about why it is fun for your child. Pretend to be the characters in the favorite show. |
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Take a trip to the library. Choose some books together, read some books together. |
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Do some chores together. Doing the dishes, folding laundry, or going an errand together - these are good opportunities for talking and sharing. |
Showing Interest:
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Phone your children when you can't see them in person. A phone call is a great way to show that you are interested in what they are doing and thinking.
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Send a postcard when you are traveling. The 'message' will mean a lot more than just the words you write on the card.
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Display a photo of your children in your home and office to show that you're proud to be your child's Dad. Display their artwork.
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Listen to your children. Give them your full attention.
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Praise your children's attempt to try an activity and to do the best they can.
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Showing Affection:
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Show your children how you feel. Hugs and laughter go a long way.
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Be sad with your children. If they are upset about something, help them to be okay about sadness. Recognize and value their feelings.
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Tell them you care about them and love them. Saying 'I love you' means a lot to children.
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Setting Limits:
Being a Dad can't always be about the fun stuff. Although it might be difficult to set the limits, all parents need to be consistent about behavior and rules. If you are a Dad who doesn't live in the same household with your children, this could be more difficult.
- Be firm and clear about limits, without being angry or loud.
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Criticize behavior only, not your child.
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Be sure you can live with the consequences you set for your child.
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Tell the children's mother what happened and what limits were set.
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Getting Help:
When you feel your are not handling a situation with your children well, or not being the kind of parent you want to be, contact your local Family Service agency or call 1-800-668-7808 for a referral to your nearest parenting support resource.Family Service Canada.
