As a young boy growing up in Indiana I thought I had the perfect Father. He attended all my sporting events, gave me the opportunity to see the world and he genuinely cared about what was going on in my life.  After becoming a father of four, I quickly realized that being a good father takes a lot of work and sacrifice. There’s not a book out there that I am aware of that tells fathers how to handle every situation they might encounter.  But what I have discovered in my own journey is that if a father will implement these five key priorities, they will have a healthier relationship with their children and they will be preparing their children for a brighter future.

1. Gives appropriate affection

Your children crave hugs, kisses, and even casual contact that communicates, “I love you, and I’m happy to be with you.” The simple expressions of tenderness and affection plays a significant role in developing security and confidence with kids. Yes men this is especially true with boys.

2. Gives words of affirmation

Nothing can bring a smile to a child’s face faster than a sincere compliment by a parent when Dad and Mom encourage their children by noticing and commenting on particular accomplishments and positive character traits. By doing this you are helping build into your kids’ lives and hearts a certain way of thinking that will help sustain them through life’s toughest times.

3. Gives time to engage in activities such as sports, fishing, walks, playing games, bike rides

Kids love nothing more than spending quality, uninterrupted time with their parents. My son Noah loves it when I take a few minutes to play him in a one on one basketball game or playing “tickle monster” with my three girls. Taking this time expresses to our kids that they are more valuable to us than the demanding day-to-day responsibilities on our schedule – this is especially true for fathers who are gone a lot on military missions.

4. Gives careful thought to offer advice

Children desperately need the benefit of their parents’ perspective and life experience, even if they won’t always admit it. Kids long for those heart to heart conversations that make them safe and loved in the midst of the ups and downs of growing up. This was a strong point with my father even if at the time I didn’t always agree with him or want to hear it. Now with him gone I long for those heart to heart conversations I often took for granted.

5. Gives biblical guidance and wisdom

This is unquestionably the most crucial thing we can do as parents Read Deuteronomy 6:6-7. We plant eternal seeds in our kids’ lives when we emphasize that a values/principled based life approach should be at the forefront of all they do and say (for this to work best you must be leading by example). This will without question help build a solid foundation.

**adapted from a article by Jim Daly with Focus on the Family