Any guy can be a dad. It takes someone special to be a father. Most fathers will tell you that being a good one takes your body, mind and soul. Maybe your dad wasn’t the greatest, but you want to do it better. Way to man up!
Take care of yourself.
Eating healthy foods , getting enough sleep, managing stress, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, and reaching out to family and friends for support is good for mothers AND fathers.
Get regular checkups.
Need a doctor? Find a health care provider and get regular checkups. If you live in Delaware, click here to find free or low-cost health care services.
Know your history.
Talk to your doctor about your own health, family health history and any medicines you’re taking. Your family’s health history may reveal your risk for developing certain diseases in the future.
Always put your child’s interests first.
When you drink or smoke, you’re setting a bad example. It’s important to take care of yourself — just as important as taking care of your baby.
Delaware Quitline Substance Abuse ResourcesProtect them.
Teach them good safety habits, set a good example by using your seatbelt. Financial protection is also important: have life insurance, an emergency fund and a will.
Delaware Child SafetySpend lots of time with them. The thing kids want most from their dads is their time. Take time to find out about your child’s day. Hang out with them.
Give them hugs.
Kids need physical contact, and not just from their moms. Playing games, as well as snuggling, hugging and loving them are the best things you can do for your child.
Read to them.
This is one of the most important things you can do for your child. First of all, it’s fun. Kids’ books are cool, and it’s great when you can share something this wonderful with your child.
Delaware LibrariesStand by mom.
When you and your child’s mom are both on the same page, everybody wins. How you treat their mother affects their self-esteem.
Build their self-esteem.
Show them you value them by spending time with them, by talking and listening to them, and by praising things they do.
Teach them about finances.
From an early age, you can teach your child the value of money, how to save money to reach a goal, and, later, how to earn and manage money properly.
ING Planet OrangeBe good to yourself.
You need to take care of yourself, give yourself some alone time and some time with your buddies, in order to be a great dad when you’re with your kids.
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