10 Things Every Dad Should Know

I am not really sure if the men in our lives truly know the effect and impact they have in the lives of us – their children and their wives.

I remember the first night my husband became a dad.

We sat alone in our quiet, cold hospital room with a newborn baby swaddled in a blanket and a big bow on her hat.

He was on the window sill and I was in the bed, still hooked up to monitors. I looked over at him and saw tears rolling from his eyes and down his cheeks as he held her tight.

I never knew how much I loved him, until I saw how much he loved his sweet girl. We just sat in our room and cried together.

Our dream of being parents, was finally a reality.

Today I want to share with you a few things a daughter, a wife, a friend, a woman… wants EVERY dad out there to know.

I have had some incredible men in my life that have been the perfect examples of what a dad is.

What a dad means.

And what a dad should be.

Here are 10 Things Every Dad Should Know:

Photography by Canico Studios 

1. YOU ARE A COMFORTER: A dad should never be afraid to hold their children tight, no matter how old they are. There is something so comforting about being in your big, daddy, muscular arms.

As a dad, you are one of the funniest people in those little eyes. Tell silly bedtime stories and be protector from the scary wind, thunderstorms, bad dreams and the scary boogie monster!

Wipe their tears and hold them close – they’ll grow out of your arms too fast.

2. ALWAYS HAVE TIME FOR THE FAMILY: A dad should know that nothing is more important than their family. Between soccer games and dance performances, life as a dad can be busy – but worth it.

Work, school, friends and other activities are fun – but children recognize when their dads are there. Trust me.

3. SOMEONE LOOKS UP TO YOU: A dad should know that his children are ALWAYS watching him. I once read a quote, “My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”

They always say actions speak louder than words, and this is true…especially when it comes to fatherhood.

Be the man you want your son to one day be and your daughters to one day marry.

4. YOU CAN BE A HERO: Everyone has a hero – someone they want to be more like. Someone they trust. Someone they look up to. I know my dad was my very first hero. It seemed like he could do anything!

In your child’s eyes you can do anything too! You can fix a bike, play barbies, read books, fly a kite, pull wiggly teeth out and it won’t hurt, make the best chocolate chip cookies and take them on fun vacations, all while working and providing for your family.

5. YOUR HARD WORK DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED: Not every dad is blessed with a great job that can put food on the table and pay for new clothes every season, but every dad can try their hardest to find a job and work hard at it. I know some dads that work SEVERAL jobs trying to provide for their families. They understand hard work and what they need to do to provide for their families.

Often times as parents, we see our money fly out of our wallets and into food, clothes, sports and other activities for our children. Your selfless working habits isn’t unnoticed and are so appreciated.

“A dad is someone who puts photos in his wallet where his money use to be.”

6. BE A BELIEVER: A dad should never give up. You shouldn’t give up on yourself, on your wife or on your children.

You should believe that anything can happen.

A dad that believes in his family, can change his family.

As a dad…encourage, help, motivate, inspire and be the best cheerleader for your kids. I remember seeing my dad at my dance performances with his video camera and smile on his face. He gave me the confidence I needed on that stage, because he believed.

7. YOU CAN WIPE AWAY TEARS: “A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed and has faith in you even when you fail.”

Life can be hard – we each will have bad days. A dad should be there to wipe away the tears. Make your children laugh when they need it the most. Let them know that everything is going to be okay.

8. WE NEED YOU. NO MATTER HOW OLD WE GET: Time flies. People say it all the time, but it is almost scary how true it is! A dad’s role doesn’t end when his children turn 18 and move out of the house. A dad is an eternal role. A dad is a dad FOREVER!

“A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.”

Form a bond with your children now, so when they are old they will know they can still call you when they have a question and can come over and visit just because they miss you.

9. LOVE THEIR MOTHER: Elaine S. Dalton said, “The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter, is to love her mother.”

Your children are watching you.

I know I always watched my dad and how he treated my mom. Then, when I started dating I searched for a boy that treated ME the same way he treated her. When you love your children’s mom and shows her unconditional love, patience and kindness, the children see it. And they love it.

Dads, love your wives. Show your children that you would do anything for their mother.

10. YOU WILL NEVER BE REPLACED: NEVER. EVER. And you should never forget it. Children grow up and get married. They even eventually have children of their own! But as a grown adult daughter myself, I share from experience, that you DADS are something special.

You help us, your children, become who we are!

Everything I am, everything I do – it goes back to my dad.

“I may find my prince, but you will always be my king.”

You loved them first.

Dads hold a vital role in the lives of children. Your actions, words and attitude can impact your home on a daily basis.

Always remember that any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.

Do you know a GOOD dad? Don’t forget to share this with all of the dads that you love! 

Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day!

August 30, 2017 by Danielle Davis | 1 Comment