Why Fathers Are Such a Necessary Component in the Raising of Their Children.

The first year of a child's life is the most crucial time for Dad's to be present and loving and hugging his child. According to clinicians in the first year of birth babies relate to behaviors not language.

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to develop a strong relationship with their mother and with his children. Relationship is what separates the strong family from the dysfunctional family. A child needs a strong relationship with his/her father far more than he/she needs their father's resources.

Children need to have boundaries set by their father in order to know he cares. Father's need not be their child's best friend, particularly if it affects his ability to dole out punishment when appropriate. A father needs to be present at his children's extra-curricular activities. Doing so further strengthens the bond of their relationship and re-affirms the child of dad's support. Dad's need to assure their children that regardless of what error they may make, they need to come to him first: "I may not condone what you did, but you will have my unconditional love regardless. Please don't let me learn about an incident from another person."

When a father communicates with his children (communication does not equal lecture and communication implies two or more people engaged in conversation) they develop a stronger character and self-esteem. Studies have shown that when the father communicate effectively and accompanies his children to church they are much more likely to continue attending church as adults.

Positive feedback from a dad makes a huge difference. Example?Many young men in prison were told repeatedly by their dad that they were losers and would end up in jail someday. Conversely many successful athletes and professionals were constantly reminded of how good they were doing, what great potential they had and I'm here to help you be the best you can be?always.

I am not a sociologist or a clinician but I have 34 years of experience working with teens and pre-teens as a coach, teacher and mentor. I have successfully applied what I preach with my own children, Ann Marie (22, a teacher) and Anthony (16, an academic/athlete and mentor) who are my co-authors on the subject. We have spoken publicly at retreats, schools and churches. For more info visit our web site www.lunchbagnotes.com or call us at 818.991.8633.

Ann Marie is an Author and Speaker along with her dad, Al and brother, Anthony, who is a senior at Agoura Hills High School in Agoura Hills, CA. She is also a first time teacher; she will be teaching the 6th grade at St. Jude's Catholic School in Westlake Village, CA.

---

Send the Kids Outside!

Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More

Be Serious With Your Child Future

As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More

Watering Your Young Child?s Mind

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More

Assume Personal Responsibility? Who, Me?

As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More

Two Means Trouble

You have two kids who are 14 months apart. How... Read More

Raise Your Child to Be a Leader Not a Follower

Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More

Are Your Kids Driving You Crazy? How Character Building Charts Keep You Sane

Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More

Clean Your House Green for your Children?s Sake

My thirteen-year-old daughter recently called me up to say she... Read More

New Baby ? Relax and Become a Yummy Mummy

Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More

Our Recommended Eating Program for ADHD

Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: Teens and Violence

I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More

Helping Your Child Cope With A Long-Term Illness

All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More

Nights by a Pinocchio Lamp

Sitting by her Pinocchio lamp, she smiled at me as... Read More

My Stomach Hurts - I Cant Go to School Today!

It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More

Internet Dangers - Protecting Children from Internet Jeopardy

Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's... Read More

School Holiday Survival Guide

The school holidays are a great time for the kids,... Read More

Blended Families Can Be Successful

Many families today are blending members from past relationships. It... Read More

Spelling Games

The following spelling games can be used by parents to... Read More

Develop Your Childs Critical Thinking Skills

1. Encourage Questions.Don't answer every question, instead ask what do... Read More

The Secret To Keeping Kids Interested on Family Vacations

Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More

Where to Look for Affordable Baby Clothes

Once the newness has worn off a little, you will... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: The Teenager and the Gorilla

Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More

Single Parents: Give Yourselves Credit

Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More

Top 25 Children Quotations

"You can learn many things from children. How much patience... Read More

Kids Party Etiquette for Parents

Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More

Nanny 911 and Disciplining Your Child

Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More

Teach Children The Skills Of Optimism

Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More

The Symtoms Of Meningitis And Septicaemia

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More

What Values Are We Giving Our Children?

On a bright Sunday morning, a couple of weeks ago,... Read More

How to Stop Bad Behavior Before it Starts

Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More

Misplaced Passion

"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More

Aptitude, Achievement, Processing Deficit - What Does It All Mean?

You are sitting with the professionals who know about learning... Read More

Lets Protect Our Children

There are software programs that you can purchase to keep... Read More