I was very fortunate in that my parents and my brothers and sisters and I had a great family upbringing. There wasn't much money but we had lots of fun. We spent lots of fun time together. We camped, hunted, fished, played board games, had cooking and reading weekends and worked together in the vegetable garden. One thing that impressed me was the way my parents related to each other with warmth and affection.



I want to model on my parents and be a great dad for my kids. My friends don't have kids yet- I have 2 and a new baby expected soon. I really want to be the best dad I can be! I know that I need to spend time with them, communicate and help them to be responsible. Day to day working and living doesn't seem to allow time for me to lavish attention on my wife and kids too.

Our new baby will be joining us soon and I want to make sure that I provide appropriate support for my wife. Despite the fact that we already have two children and I have been helpful, I think I can be a much better dad, father and husband. What I needed is some helpful tips to be a better dad.

Every day I see happy kids and happy dads. In the stores we are bombarded with magazines that display photos of celebrity dads and their kids. How do they do the best job they can? They listen, watch others, read and do things that show their family they love and cherish them.

It doesn't take much to keep your wife happy. Do unexpected things like bringing home some roses, having a romantic night out or bringing dinner home. Think of ways you can help your family and your partner without being asked, for example, get home early and supervise the children's homework. You have to think of ways you can be effective as a father.

The kids will love it when you come home early and take them to the park. An ice-cream treat is always a winner! Kids love to spend time with their dads and moms love dads to share the parenting role. An early morning walk with the kids really hits the spot with their mom as it allows a leisurely start to the day. Organize the kids to get breakfast in bed for Mom.

If you are going to try to improve yourself and be a great dad, this has to be a permanent arrangement. You can't turn on super dad behavior for a week and then forget all about it. You must maintain your new role. Kids get very upset and disappointed when they suddenly find a new and exciting father turns back into the old one.

Like anything else, if you want to improve you have to plan and set goals. Why not try some lateral thinking like Edward de Bono? Corrupt three Collins and had them there's Positive, Negative, and Interesting. As you start to investigate being a better father, note down the things that seem to be effective, ineffective, or need to be considered later. Make up a working list of good activities and put into place.

Don't try to do everything at once but do make some planned changes. Note the effect that your new behaviour has on your partner and your kids. When you get positive feedback about being a better dad, this will give you encouragement to keep working. You'll be amazed at how satisfying it is when your family note your efforts and your commitment to being a great dad.