No more important characteristic than being present when you are around your kids. Put down your iPhone, turn the TV off, and give your kids some quality time.
2-PRAYING FOR YOUR KIDS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRAYER YOU WILL EVER PRAY.
Prayer gives the greatest hedge of protection over your kids present and future. In addition, prayer brings a heavenly perspective in a earthly circumstance.
3-HOW YOU TREAT YOUR WIFE/MOTHER OF YOUR KIDS IS HOW KIDS EXPECT RELATIONSHIP TO BE.
I can't emphasize the importance of treating your wife/kids mother with the utmost dignity and respect. Your kids future relationships depend on this, because it will be how they will understand relationships.
4-NEVER BE SHY TO SHOW EMOTION.
Your children need to know that it is ok to be happy, it is ok to be sad and it is ok to cry. Withholding your emotion doesn't help your kids understand that emotions are a part of life and are much needed in navigating it.
5- BE INTENTIONAL
Time with your kids is so valuable. Dad's must make sure that your interactions are enjoyable and an opportunity to teach life lessons that your kids will take on with them. Kids remember the little moments of time with you and will pass those on.
6- NOT BEING TIMID ABOUT JESUS IS THE EXAMPLE THAT MUST BE SET.
Showing who is the focal point in your life will carry over to them. Whether it is daily devotion, prayer or worship it will carry over to set a standard of what is most important in your life and in your families life.
7-ADMIT WHEN YOU ARE WRONG.
Being the adult doesn't make us immune to saying we are sorry or admitting when we are wrong. If anything we need to be more aware, so that our kids understand the bigger picture and that others have feelings and concerns.
8-DON'T JUST SAY IT, LIVE IT.
The old saying of, "your actions speak louder than your words" is true in leading and parenting. We don't want a personal trainer that just tells us how to workout, but never does it themselves. What we ask of them, they will expect us to live ourselves, both great and small.
9-YOUR KIDS SHOULD NEVER HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT WHERE THEY STAND WITH YOU.
Kids should never question how much we love, care or believe in them. In this pivotal time of growing up it is vital that our kids understand that we have their back whether they succeed or fall short. Will we be disappointed at times, but that doesn't mean we love them any less. It is always better for your kids to know that you were overboard with love, care and belief, than never expressing anything because tough love is more important.
10-YOUR WORDS MATTER.
What we say either will build up or break down. We might not think it is that big of a deal, but in reality the weight of the world for a young person hangs in the balance of what we say. The most important phrase you can say is, "I Love You." Also, sometimes best thing we can say is absolutely nothing. Listening to our kids can will carry more weight than saying anything.
11-BE AFFECTIONATE
Giving hugs, kisses, and cuddling doesn't mean you are less than a man, it means you are more of a dad. All people crave affection through a variety of ways. Our kids gain nothing if we withhold it. It should be given freely. Also, being affectionate by hugging and kissing your wife in front of your kids is healthy. It sends the message that it is important to express love.
12-BE ENGAGED
Our kids notice when we are focused on work, email, football game or something else when we are suppose to be present. It is vital that we make them the most important thing when we plan to. Trust me their future depends on it.
13-ENJOY THE MOMENT
Life is meant to be fun. Enjoy the little things and enjoy the big things. If we are always focused on the next stage, we never have an appreciation for the current. Thus, we lose out on fond memories.
14- KIDS ARE A GIFT FROM GOD.
Being a dad is hard work, however looking at our kids as gifts that God has given to us to steward makes the gift so much sweeter. We get an opportunity to raise the most precious gift God gives. Know that we have the right kids, in the right family, for the right reason. At different stages that is tough, but well worth it.
15- BE YOUR KIDS BIGGEST CHEERLEADER.
Encourage your children! They crave your support, approval, and your presence. They want you to be proud of them, so strive to show that through giving them praise, encouragement and love.
These are just a few thoughts that I have learned from being a dad and from the example that my Dad set for me. Being a Dad is a tough assignment, but you are up for it. Know that you can do it!!