Just Between Us Girls

What do we need from our fathers? How do we want our husbands to relate to our children? What are the qualities that make a great dad?

A GREAT DAD ...

ACCEPTS each child as a unique individual.
BELIEVES his kids are capable and talented.
CONSOLES them when life is painful.
DELIGHTS in their achievements and successes.
EXPECTS them to do their best in every situation.
FORGIVES them when they mess up.
GIVES his children lots of time, attention, and love.
HUGS them ... often.
INSPIRES their trust, confidence, and respect.
JUGGLES work and family as best he can.
KEEPS his commitments and teaches his kids to do the same.
LISTENS with his heart as well as his head.
MOTIVATES them positively and constructively.
NEVER WITHDRAWS LOVE for punishment.
OFFERS suggestions, while teaching his children to think for themselves.
PROVIDES loving discipline along with healthy freedom.
QUESTIONS his kids if he thinks they're going down a wrong path.
REASSURES them when they're feeling insecure.
SHARES his own doubts and shortcomings, so they know he's not perfect.
TEACHES them values and skills they need in life.
UNDERSTANDS that kids are gifts to be cherished, not possessions to be owned.
VALUES his children's opinions and ideas.
WORKS hard to build a good life for himself and his family.
XTENDS a helping hand whenever his kids need him.
YEARNS to see his children grow up healthy, happy, and fulfilled.
ZINGS with pride as he watches them mature into independence.