Play [PDF, 1.77MB]
Play and interact with your child and teach them to enjoy life. Play is a great way to help children learn the boundaries and principles that they will use throughout life. When you play games with your children, you encourage them to use developmental skills such as reasoning, creativity, motor skills, and sensory skills. Try different games and activities with a broad variety of challenges to make sure you cover as many skills as possible. You will be surprised how much your child will enjoy the simplest of activities just because you’re doing it with them.
Hope [PDF, 747KB]
Hope for a bright future for your child. Children look to adults for guidance. If you portray a bright outlook, they will mimic what they see. Believe in your child, praise their success, and encourage them in their struggles. You will be amazed at what they can accomplish when they see the hope that’s within you.
Patience [PDF, 1.38MB]
Patience is crucial to being a father. Be patient with your child and others around you. When you are patient, you teach your child that a steady mind can be more powerful than an impulsive action. When you are patient, you deny your selfish and impulsive desires and put your child first.
Strength [PDF, 1.13MB]
Strength will not only be a trait your child will learn from you, but it will also be something that will give them comfort in hard times. Strength inspires greatness. Strength shows stability and commitment. Children want to know that they have someone strong to lead them. Show strength in the positive aspects of life. Follow your convictions and stand firm on the things that you hope to teach your child.
Hero [PDF, 1.35MB]
Your child will be exposed to many threats and you will be a hero to your child. Be a hero by example and by assisting them. Communicate with your child and be vulnerable at the appropriate times to let them see that even through struggles, we can still make a difference and do what is right. Many people see heroes as invincible, but a true hero is someone who knows their weaknesses and fights through even after they may have fallen. Be realistic and teach your children that when they mess up, they can learn from their mistakes.
Access newsletters, podcasts, website links and other media to enhance your work with families. Topics include lessons learned, child support, empowering dads to teach and father/child activities. Find out more at www.fatherhoodfirst.org
