What A Dad Should Be

“Da-Da!” “Daddy!” “Dad!” “Father!” “Daaaaad-uh!” “I love you daddy!” “Faster, daddy!” “Push me higher, dad!” “That is funny, dad!” “I am mad at you, dad.” “Why not, dad?!” “Thank you, dad.” “Dad, can I have $5?” “Dad, can I have $10?” “Dad, I love you.” “Can I have the keys, dad?” “Dad, I have a boyfriend.” “Dad, I am getting married.” “Dad, I love you.” “I miss you, dad.” “Thank you, Dad.” These are just a few things my dad has heard from me over the past 27 years. I can’t believe he has put up with me for that long!

With yesterday being Father’s Day, I thought a lot about my dad and the great impact he has had in my life. He was the first guy to hold me tight. He was the first guy to catch me when I would fall. He was the first guy that sang to me. He was the first guy that held my hand. He was the first guy that taught me. He was the first guy that loved me. He is my hero. He is my best friend. And he changed my life forever.

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 seal and I was in the bed, still hooked up to monitors. I looked over at him and saw tears roll 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.

All too often, I hear of a man who leaves his family for selfish reasons, loses his temper all too quickly and/or takes the role of fatherhood for granted. There are many men out there that would do anything to become a dad and seeing a man not appreciate their children, hurts them. Today I want to share with you a few things a father SHOULD be. 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.

A DAD SHOULD:

1. BE 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 dad’s arms. One of my favorite memories is of my dad laying in bed with us and telling us night time stories. When I was scared of the wind, thunderstorms or had a bad dream – my dad was the one I ran to in the middle of the night and he would come lay by me and bring me comfort.

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. I believe you need to be there 100% of the time for your family, not just 50% of 90%… 100. Work, school, friends and other activities are fun – but children recognize when their dads are there. Trust me. I know from experience.

3. BE AN EXAMPLE: 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. 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! He could fix a bike, play barbies, read books, fly a kite, pull wiggly teeth out and it wouldn’t hurt, make the best chocolate chip cookies and took us on fun vacations all while working and providing for our family.

5. BE A PROVIDER: 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, and I say thank you to each one of you. 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. They shouldn’t give up on themselves, on their wives or on their children. They 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.

7. 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. BE THERE NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU 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.” 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 a dad loves his 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 love their mother.

10. NEVER BE REPLACED: A dad should know that they will NEVER be replaced. Children grow up and get married. They even eventually have children of their own! As a daughter, I share with all of you dads today, that you 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.” Dads, you will never be replaced.

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 love your dad? Do you love your children’s dad? Please, share! –

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!

June 16, 2014 by Danielle Davis | 9 Comments