Fatherhood Rule #1

[justindad]

You’re children must always know, both in their hearts & in their minds, that their father loves them.

[Misery-Whip]

I agree. Rule 2..

Do everything possible to protect them from anything, and show them to protect others and themselves.

[Gtrubicon]

Rule#3, prepare for the day they are 18 and pray for 1/2 of their wisdom

[trails4u]

Rule #4....or in my personal case, #1. - Allow them to fail, early and often. Then, most importantly, take the time to lovingly help them discover why they failed and TEACH them how to avoid said failure in the future.

[Thundarstick]

Rule# 5
Be their father, NOT their friend!

Rules#6
I can protect you from all kinds of things in life, but I can't protect you from yourself!

[Preacher Jim]

Rule 7, be there for them and include them in your life. They are more important than your buddies.

[Hannibal]

Rule #9 - Teach them to be critical thinkers. Just because you are told by someone who should know, that doesn't make it truth.

[Wag]

Rule #4....or in my personal case, #1. - Allow them to fail, early and often. Then, most importantly, take the time to lovingly help them discover why they failed and TEACH them how to avoid said failure in the future.

This is the most important. Do not protect your children from their failures. If you do, they will not become men and women. Keep them safe, of course, but let them make you cry. Then teach them to learn from their mistakes.

--Wag--

[MrWolf]

Most importantly tell them you love them every day and will always love them no matter what. I have told my kids every day of their lives that I love them. Text them every night telling them that. I may not be able to see them but they will always know they are loved by someone. My kids are 31 and 29 and I will continue that practice till I die, and maybe beyond that. Who knows.

[dannyd]

I treated my kids (44 and 42) like I did my sailors. If it was good enough for your kids it was good enough for mine. Worked out well in the end. :)

[elmacgyver0]

Rule #10 Keep a close eye on their teachers.

[BLAHUT]

You’re children must always know, both in their hearts & in their minds, that their father loves them.

In my mind; this is mandatory; I raised 4 boys, 3 my own and 1 adopted, no relation; now also have 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Each is an individual unto themselves....... Keep in mind; you do not divide your love for them you multiply it.......... There are three kinds of people in this world ! Sheep; who follow blindly' Wolves; who pray on the sheep; Guard dogs; who protect the sheep; I raised / and am still raising, all of mine, to be guard dogs........

[littlejack]

Rule #11
Always keep your word to your children. Never tell /promise them something, and then not follow through.

Rule #12
Never whip or beat your kids into submission. It broke my spirit. Now, if someone raises a belt on me, "there will be blood".