|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Awesome Dad in by no means perfect. But that itself is perfect, because imperfection allows us to really understand the personal evolution our children are going through with us. The definition of an Awesome Dad, then, is the father who stays in the game, shows up fully and sets powerful intentions to grow into. Here are some:
I listen with my entire being - and without judgment. I seek first to understand and appreciate what my children say. From that vantage point, I will build their trust in me and be most supportive.
I see others as equals, neither superior nor inferior to me. Every person is a unique individual, just like everyone else on the planet. (hee hee)! We each have our own journey and everyone we encounter is integral to our life's objectives. Children are no less important and should be treated with equal respect.
I engage my curiosity completely. I truly want to understand and try to grasp all that is going on for my children. I want to see the world afresh from their perspectives and glean new insights through them. I ask questions without an agenda.
I consider all perspectives and choose consciously. In this world of infinite possibilities, I seek to understand where everyone is coming from and only then choose what resonates most. I share this process with those I love.
First, do no harm! I communicate to foster understanding and growth but never to hurt. "Sticks and stones..." I know my words can cut deeper, and the resulting wounds take longer to heal.
I tell stories that speak to the heart. When I speak from the heart, my words penetrate other's hearts. Parables and personal stories are easy to accept and are rarely accusatory, though often funny and informative.
I articulate the nuances. I use a rich vocabulary to communicate distinctions that will help to raise awareness and expand my family's appreciation of life.
I understand the power of my touch. From a gentle touch on the cheek, to a vigorous backrub, to wrestling on the floor, I communicate my love through the powerful medium of touch. And I know when to refrain as well.
I share what's there. I discuss difficult issues that warrant open communication without fear. I believe open communication will lead to the greatest family unity, even though the journey may be difficult.
My actions are congruent with my values. I am keenly aware that my actions speak louder than my words. The best communication is when words and actions match perfectly. Values in action...
Copyright 2004 by CoachVille, Dovid Grossman and Ken Mossman
Duplication, with attribution, permitted and encouraged. http://www.CoachVille.com
From CoachVille's "Awesome Dads: dare to be a hero!" community.
Check us out at: http://dbc593.cvcommunity.com
About The Author
My father was a very successful engineer. But he and I never got along, and we fought all the time. One day, when I was 17, I told him, "I always wanted a close relationship with you, but we don't have it." I watched as three tears squeezed out of his pained eyes. And he said, "I've always wanted that, too, but I just don't know how to do it." Since that day, we haven't argued. I got it. I understood his love for me was really deep. A lot of fathers are in the same boat. They love their kids dearly. But they don't know how to express this in a way that their kids understand it. Which means there's great pain in one of the most important relationships in their lives. I offer adventure, mentoring and coaching programs for fathers to become Awesome Dads. The benefits are a lifetime of pleasure and pride with the most important people in their lives. coach@dovidgrossman.com
Night Visits From Your ChildIn the middle of the night... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
In the first premise, some films and video tapes which... Read More
Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More
Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More
"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing... Read More
Teachers know that children thrive in an environment with routines,... Read More
IntroductionAs a parent who wants the best for your children,... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
When is a person brilliant? When does a person show... Read More
The children of Baby Boomers, the Echo Generation, are entering... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
Is it hard to communicate with your teenager about issues... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child... Read More
Here are some tips that I have picked up from... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
1. They are leaders as well as parents. They don't... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
Often I have heard that leaders are born, not made.... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
Memorabilia ? Children can create enough artwork for an entire... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
This may come as a surprise, but many parents are... Read More
4 traps to avoidTrap 1 - Parents need to realize... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
I am writing this from the beautiful mountains of Western... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
Parenting |