Fatherhood...

[DOGMAN]

"I wish you love And happiness
I guess I wish you All the best
I wish you don't Do like I do
And ever fall in love with someone like you-
Cause if you feel, Just like I did
You'd probably walk around the block like a little kid.
But kids don't know They can only guess
How hard it is To wish you happiness" John Prine from ALL the Best


Well, as many of you know, I am about to become a Dad! My wife is expecting any day now, the doctor says it could be today, tomorrow, or anytime this week! So, my mind is full of anticipation, worries, and excitement.

Anyway, one theme that keeps reoccuring in my mind is that I want to be the best father I can be to our soon-to-be born son. I want to try to set my son up to lead a happy and successful life, and to create a childhood for him that will empower him for the journey into adulthood, not hinder him or hold him back.

I want to instill in him a joy for learning, hard work, wild places, animals, music and art, honesty, intergrity etc... I want him to believe in himself, and not be afraid of change, or the unknown. And, I want him to treat all other people with respect and see their worth no matter there circumstance.

However, these are not easy things to do. So many of us end up as adults- embittered, disenfranchised, fractured, afraid, damaged, dysfunctional and lacking in any joy or appreciation for life, love, nature or the world at large.
Ultimatly, all I want to give my son, is the skills that will allow him to find happiness and love throughout his life. But, this is no easy task.

Any suggestions or advice you all can offer will be apprecitated.

[nell67]

Jason,congrats and good luck with the new one when he arrives.

Oh yea,and if you can homeschool him,don't send him to public school.it can ruin a good kid quick.

[Riverrat]

Congraulations, it is one of the true joys of life, to be a dad. Best advice I can give...be there for them, let them learn at thier pace, and show them lots of love.

[jrock24]

Congrats and good luck. I just took my 5 y/o son up to a little creek and he was jumping in and out chasing tadpoles, great times.

[Dennis K.]

Be there. not in words, like "hey, i'm here for you."
I mean really physically be there. take off work for his birthday. Pull him out of class for a day, just because you want to. Make things with him - put the tools in his hand. Laugh with him at his mistakes, because you made 'em too. Say "yes" often. Laugh out loud. Let him see you work and play, and let him do it all with you.

There ain't nothin better than being a Daddy

[nell67]

anyone can be a father,but it takes a special kind of man to be a Dad.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

anyone can be a father,but it takes a special kind of man to be a Dad.

That is so true, My children are my only inheritance, they inspire me to always try to do more for them next time, because ultimatly teaching our kids how to survive for thier future is what we work for.

[Gray Wolf]

anyone can be a father,but it takes a special kind of man to be a Dad.

So true nell!

Jason it's a job I highly recommend... actually it's not a job, it's an enjoyment, I still highly recommend it.

[klkak]

Love and support your child regardless of the decision or mistakes they make. Be an excellent example to him. Instill in his heart the fruits of the spirit "Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control". Help him to not become conceited, provoking and envious.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

THE wisdom of an elder bear...thank you KlKaK

[klkak]

Actually it's the wisdom of the Apostle Paul that he wrote in his letter to the Christian Churches in the Roman Province of Galatia. (Galatians 5:22). But religion is not talked about in this area of the forums Thats why I didn't include this in the previous post. But wisdom it is.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

THANKS for pointing out. acknowedge wood lore,that path leads to a unified determination,A struggle for survival that promotes continual advancement is the path of creation.

[klkak]

acknowedge wood lore,that path leads to a unified determination,A struggle for survival that promotes continual advancement is the path of creation.

Um OK, can someone please translate this into a sentence that I can understand.

[crashdive123]

Jason - from what I have learned about you since coming to the forum.....you will do just fine.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Um OK, can someone please translate this into a sentence that I can understand.

WE SEEK TO IMPROVE EVERY ASPECT of how we live to the point of having no worry for how we might survive. practice is our nature and improvement
allows us more comforts.The question is simple,if you prepair you prosper.

[klkak]

OK, thats better.

[Ole WV Coot]

Congrats also and very sound advice. No advice from me they said it all.

[ryaninmichigan]

Things I have tried to teach

Give people respect until they give you a reason not to.
Stand up for what you believe in. Right or wrong pick a side.
Have faith ask god for help
Take responsibility
Be nice to people
Sometimes it is ok to be mean.
Say I’m sorry.
Work hard
Take time to play

[RangerXanatos]

Love and support your child regardless of the decision or mistakes they make. Be an excellent example to him. Instill in his heart the fruits of the spirit "Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control". Help him to not become conceited, provoking and envious.

I think klkak has the best answer. Be an example of a real man that can do all of these things for him to follow.

Daniel

[Rick]

I hope your wife and baby are healthy and everything comes out okay (no pun intended there). You'll do well. Your kids will remember the time you spend with them long after they have forgotten the toy you bought.