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One Dad's New Year’s Resolutions
By Michael A. Casano
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Welcome to Dad’s Corner. Each of my columns focuses on particular “fatherhood” issues, as well as suggestions on how to address them. I’ll also provide links to other sites for further reference, where possible. I definitely welcome your own comments and advice as well. Together as fathers, we’ll share our thoughts on how best to guide our children, nurture them and support them along the way.
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One of the great things about writing a column like this is the opportunity to hear different perspectives from fellow fathers, psychologists and others on what it means to be a dad. Their insight has made me look inward to see how I can improve upon my own skills as a parent to create even stronger, caring relationships with my children.
With all this information at hand, I thought I'd share my New Year’s Resolutions with you on how to become a better dad in 2011. Hopefully, they'll inspire you to create some of your own.
In no particular order:
- “I’ll be a good role model.” Like all parents, the demands of living in today's world can be overwhelming. But it's important to remember that my children are watching me closely as I deal with those pressures. I want continue setting positive examples that they’re proud to follow.
- “I’ll spend more time with my kids.” That seems like such an obvious choice to make, but it can be the most challenging. Work and home commitments can get in the way of spending more quality time with my kids. So, when new opportunities come up next year to go outside and toss a ball or play games with my children, I'll take advantage of them.
- "I’ll be more patient." I'm sure I'm not the first father who's lost patience with their children when they’re arguing with each other, misbehaving or just "being kids." But afterwards, I often wonder if there was a more effective way to handle the situation. During the coming year, I want to become more tolerant and better able to assess the circumstances before acting.
- “I’ll strive to be healthy.” I have a responsibility to be physically fit -- not only for my own personal health, but also to be there for my kids in the future. I vow to eat right, exercise and do whatever I can to cope better during stressful times. My kids will ultimately benefit.
- "I’ll communicate as clearly as possible." When there’s an issue involving any of my children, I’ll work better at clearly communicating our family's expectations and the consequences if they continue. I’ll also remember to communicate when I see them doing good things -- and make sure to say how much I love them.
I'd like to know what New Year’s Resolutions other dads are making. Please share them on the "Parent Exchange" blog, found at http://liparentonline.com/blog/?page_id=5
In the meantime, I hope you and your family enjoy a healthy, happy New Year!
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