I'm a very strong believer in the power of praise to influence behavior in others. Husbands and fathers have the ability to guide and influence family members and help them on their development path. As leaders, it is important to let people know the things that they do right and encourage them to repeat behaviors that produce good results. Too often, people take the easy way out and focus only on weaknesses or areas of opportunity. [...more]
The teenage years are tough. Whether you have a boy or a girl, they are both going through massive hormonal changes, namely puberty. Their lives revolve around socialization with their friends, and daddy's little girl or mama's big boy all of the sudden don't want anything to do with you. It's like playing for the Yankees one year and getting traded to the Nationals the next. [...more]
The traditional role of a dads in America is that of being the provider. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2004), 73% of men above the age of 16 participated in the work force compared to 59% of women. Over the past few years though, the number of at-home dads has risen from 98,000 in 2004 to 159,000 in 2007. Change is happening, and people are definitely taking notice. [...more]
There are many lists of the Top 10 TV Dads. Most of them include such paternal heroes as Steve Douglas, Ward Cleaver and Jim Anderson, and the 'worst' lists tend to include the usual slackers like Al Bundy, Archie Bunker and Peter Griffin. But what about the ones in the middle? What about those unique dads that made a lasting impression on viewers, but somehow they always seem to come up just short of making a list. Not any more! [...more]
Paternity leave is the time a father takes off from work to spend at home with his family upon the birth of a new child. Prior to 15 years ago, when the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was passed, fathers in America rarely took time off from work to take care of a new child. Today, fathers have a legislated right to take this type of leave, and more fathers are taking advantage of this right to be there when the baby comes home. [...more]
I've read several articles on the subject of roughhousing, and there are a variety of opinions. Conservative parents or experts warn that kids will imitate the aggressive behavior with other kids causing potential injury. Well...I guess it's possible, but I've never seen my kids do it. When things go too far, including hitting or biting, I stop and address the behavior. If it happens again, then playtime is over. [...more]
Do you consider yourself a role model? If you're a husband, dad, manager, leader or a person of influence, then you are a role model. How often do you think about the way others perceive you? It's not usually the first thing on my mind. [...more]
Find related content at the end of the article. Share your thoughts by leaving a comment and rating.People like to complain. If it’s not the rise in gas prices, then it’s the fall in stock values. Taxes are too high, and political accountability is too low. The economy is in the toilet, and customer service [...] [...more]
There are many stereotypes and preconceived notions about what it means to be a “Dad.” The truth is there are many kinds of dads - good and bad - just like there are many kinds of moms or grandparents or friends. This article explores 20 kinds of dads. Which kind are you? [...more]
