I understand no book can teach you how to be a Dad but I think there are definitely some things to learn from them. I got one such book (thanks Mom and Mark) which contains lots of tip and things to remember as a new dad. I’ve just started reading it so I’ll have more to report later.
And, recently while looking through a Parents magazine I ran across some excerpts from another book that looks good. The book is called Good Dad / Bad Dad: The Do’s and Don’ts from the Trenches by David George.
Here are a few of my favorites items from the article:
Don’t let your kids pick up your bad habits.
Do you swear? Do you polish off Pringles by the can or drink three beers every night? That’s fine. We all have our vices. But try your best to hide these habits from your kids. They look up to you and identify with you, and if they hear you use profanity or see you bingeing on junk food or drinking like it’s New Year’s Eve, they’ll think it’s okay. So set a good example–at least when they’re watching.
That one is pretty obvious, but a good reminder. I figure if a kid wants to sit like you or eat like you then chances are they’ll want to do everything like you!
Do give lots of horsy, piggyback, and shoulder rides
What do you want, a pie chart? It’s simple: Kids love ‘em, and you do them better than anyone else. Enough said.
I’m excited about that one. I’m sure I’ll really feel like a Dad when that first piggyback ride comes along.
Don’t get a minivan.
You may be a dad, but you’re still a guy. Minivan = mini man.
I laughed when I read that one. Although, I must admit I’ve been in some of the newer minivans and they’re pretty fancy. But, I’d prefer some type of smaller SUV. Maybe I should put one on our baby registry.
Do say these two things to your kids every day.
1. I’m proud of you.
2. I love you.
It’s a short list–with an endless payoff.
I can remember my Dad saying both of those things ALL of the time. I thought maybe TOO much but now that I’m going to be a dad I don’t think it’s possible to say it too much.
I’m really looking forward to being a dad and I’m ready for some on-the-job training! I think that’s the best there is.