8 New Years resolutions for dads

8 New Years resolutions that dads should make

With the year coming to an end, it’s about time we come up with resolutions meant to strengthen the bond between father and child. Here are some resolutions fathers might want to take into consideration as the New Year rolls in.

Spend time with your kids as soon as you get home

After a long day at the office, it’s easy to want to plop onto the couch as soon as you get home. But why not try spending time with your kids, instead? This lets them know that they’re a priority to you.

It can be as little as 5 minutes and of course can last longer. Keep in mind that what you think of as a simple gesture (such as admiring their artwork, or helping out with their homework) may not seem like a big deal to you, but is to them.

Teach them a sport

Make it a point to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. Not only is it a great opportunity to enjoy your surroundings, but it also serves as a means for you to help your child master his physical skills such as running, throwing, catching, kicking and more.

Learn to listen

In the event you catch your child misbehaving, don’t be quick to punish them. Instead, stay calm and hear them out. After they’ve aired out what they want to say, explain what they did wrong and ask for their suggestions as to how to remedy the situation.

The more involved your child is in the process of bettering himself, the more he feels his opinion matters to you, the more likely he is to listen to you.

Read to your child more

Reading not only is a good means for bonding, but it also helps improve your child’s vocabulary and may strengthen his love for books. Furthermore, it provides you with points for conversation.

For example, if your children like reading Aesop’s Fables, then you can take the opportunity to talk to them about the morals and values being taught in the story.

Show them how much you love their mom

Children grow up copying the behavior that they’re exposed to. As a dad, it’s important that you show them that you love and respect their mom.

This way, girls grow up knowing how women should be treated and will want the same for themselves. While the boys grow up knowing how they should treat women and will most likely treat their spouse the same way they saw their dad treating their mom.

Always keep your promises

If there’s one thing that you want to develop between you and your child, it’s trust. With that being said, it’s important for you to be a man of your word.

If you promise to play catch with your son after work, then no matter how tired you may be, play catch with him as soon as you get home. If you promise to play with your daughter, then clear out your schedule and make sure that nothing disrupts your time with her.

Get involved in his interests

Earlier we mentioned how important it was for you to teach your child a new sport or skill. This time around, we talk about something equally as important which is you learning about your child’s interests.

Whether it be computer games, a sport or some other hobby, it’s imperative that you learn what your child is into so that you have something to talk about and so that you can help him excel. He will appreciate your gesture and will surely thank you for it.

Be there for your child

Whether it be for a parent-teacher conference, a soccer game or school recital, make it a point to be there for your child. Your presence and support are key in boosting your child’s self-esteem, so when you know something big for your child is coming up, block it off in your schedule.

8 New Years resolutions that dads should make

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Written by

Raisa Tan

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