In healthy families, we invest in and support each other. We have each other’s backs. We give each family member a deep and sincere sense of acceptance, belonging, and respect. The purity of unconditional love is absolute; petty disagreements or differing views shouldn’t be allowed to threaten the bonds of family. For better or worse, our family is our team, for life.

Discipline
Wisely administered, discipline isn’t meant to punish, but to build children up as an act of restorative love. When fathers take corrective action, we instill the values of right vs. wrong that children can rely on as they grow into adulthood. Get on their level, make eye contact, and actively listen to them to truly understand their reasons for misbehaving. Gently share calm, confident words to get them back on the right track. Rather than dismissing or making light of poor behaviors, smart discipline is an expression of love—the fruits of its labor last a lifetime.

Forgiveness
Dads, moms, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters all make mistakes; no one is perfect. When we foul something up, admit it quickly and emphatically, demonstrating leadership, and modeling integrity. Teach children about the redemptive power of accepting responsibility for a mistake and making things right. Each morning, rather than allowing unforgiveness to hold hostage the sins of yesterday, dad should give everyone a fresh start. The routine of daily forgiveness encourages each family member to rest easy each night with the nurturing confidence of a new tomorrow.

Healthy Routines
By setting standards for getting ready in the morning, expectations for a cooperative flow in the afternoon, and designing family routines for dinner, reading, prayer, and bedtime, we do more than just build up self-sufficient children. The more we guide our children to take care of themselves, the more we free our family from the rat race, and the more doors tend to open for special moments.

Model Self-Care
Fathers have the responsibility to model the mental, physical, and spiritual health that we aspire for our children. We don’t need a demanding workout program, just some type of fitness routine, even if it’s only ten minutes a day! Read, pray, meditate, pick up the phone and catch up with friends; these small gestures help us take care of ourselves and allow us to be more present for our families. By exemplifying and encouraging self-care, we inspire a healthier family unit.

Show Love
When children walk into a room, smile immediately on eye contact—let them know they are the reason for our smile! Uplift their spirits by showing recognition, not just for accomplishments—but more importantly—for effort. Drop them notes and do the little things to show love with more than just words, but actions. Hugs are currency for affection; we grow wealthier each time we give or receive one. Be as involved as possible and support their activities and interests; these should be the topics around the dinner table.

Share as many family meals together as possible. Teach and always use manners: please, thank-you, you’re welcome. When family members want to share their feelings, tune in, neither interrupting nor redirecting the conversation. Fathers keep love flowing strongly not only by scheduling dates with our partner, but also by scheduling one-on-one time with each of our children to regularly remind them how special they are to us.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
—Proverbs 22:6 KJV