https://www.facebook.com/share/r/166KPFcJ96/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Being a father is full of responsibilities, most of which can’t be passed on to someone else. Most men want to be the best father they can, but never had anyone directly explain to them how to do that. What we learned about fatherhood mostly came from watching our own parents. Unfortunately, many of us have never stopped to think about what we learned. We move through life, taking care of business, with little time left over for reflection. But in reading this article, you’ll see a few different ways you can improve as a father. #1: Put away your phone when you’re with your kids. Be present when you’re with them, and put away anything that has to do with work or play, like your cell phone. It’s very easy to get sucked into emails and social media, but our kids need our attention more than any of that. You’ll be amazed at how incredible it is to simply be present with your children, and marvel at the fact that they exist. Take a moment to watch them, and hold on to the memory…because they really do grow up fast. Don’t look back on your time raising your kids and wish you had spent more time with them, or be filled with regrets over not making the best possible use of that time. Men have a natural tendency to get wrapped up in work. It can be easy to leave home in the morning, and stay out as long as possible, working or hanging out with the guys. We assume that our kids are in good hands at school or with the other parent at home—and they are. But fathers need to remember that their kids need them, too. Make sure to spend some time every day with your children, whether that’s dinner time, bath time, or putting them to bed. #2: Set a good example for your kids. It’s easy tell your kids one thing and then do another…but just remember that kids do what we do, and not what we say. If you want your kids to grow up into well-adjusted, responsible, and moral adults, be a good person on all fronts and a father they can look up to. Each person has to assess themselves and find out where they need to improve—because every man is different in that regard. Avoid using swear words or throwing things if you get upset. Be polite to everyone you interact with. Give to charitable causes. Let your kids catch you reading a book instead of zoning out in front of the television. Step up around the house; make dinner, clean the dishes, or take out the trash.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19imY8Hakc/

When I started my coaching career as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers, I had a lot to learn. The road to the podium at the Super Bowl with the Colts didn’t happen overnight. I learned from experience and great head coaches like Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh, Denny Green, and Marty Schottenheimer. I grew gradually into a head coach and had many failures and painful moments on the way. The important thing is I continued to get better. Fatherhood is similar. When you first become a dad, you have little idea what you’re doing. But if you keep learning and investing in your kids, you grow into a great dad. This is how to be a great father. The best fathers understand they are there to help their children grow and be the best they can be. Sometimes what that takes is humility. Humility I believe none of us is the ultimate one in charge of our lives and families. God has put us here to direct the family and we need to look to Him for direction and wisdom. So my personal goal as a dad is to grow in humility by walking behind the Lord and taking direction from Him. Sound off: Do you know how to be a great father? How else do dads need to grow in order to be great fathers? Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What do you think it means to be humble?”