There are approximately 70.1 million fathers in the world. That's 70.1 million men that have children, but that number says nothing about how good of fathers they really are.
Good fathers are hard to come across. They are rare, but when you find them, you are incredibly fortunate. The impact that they have on their children is very real.
What exactly makes a father great?
1. Unconditional Love
It's easy to love a child when they are obeying you and succeeding in life, but what about when they mess up? What happens when they make a mistake or have gotten into trouble and need your help to get out of it? Real fathers love no matter the circumstance. Whether it's a good day or a terrible day, a good father loves every part of his child.
2. Self-sacrificing
Being a good father means giving up things that are important to him in order to help his family. It is sacrificing himself for his family. This might mean giving up his time or money or even energy. Whatever it may be, a dad gives.
3. Spends quality time with his kids.
Time is the most precious gift anyone can give. Fathers that invest time in their children put their children first. They take time out of their day to listen to their children when they've had a rough day and just need to vent or when they simply need help with their homework.
4. A good example for his children
Children are always looking up towards someone to follow. Their young brains yearn for guidance and direction. Be the dad that you want your kid to look up to. Be their role model and their inspiration.
5. Protects his family from harm
The father is the protector. He shields his family from physical, emotional or spiritual harm and fights on their behalf. He is strong and willing to stand up for his family, no matter what it takes.
6. Patience
Being a father is not always easy and it takes a lot of patience. A father has to be slow to anger because kids don't always get it the first time...or even the tenth time for that matter. A good father remains calm and does not become annoyed when dealing with problems. They are able to endure difficulty.
7. Hard Working
A real father works his butt off to provide for his family. He puts in countless, tiresome hours to ensure that there is food on the the table every night for his wife and kids. He loves his family so much that he wants to make sure that they are fed and cared for everyday.
8. Supportive
A dad is a kid's number one fan. They are at every baseball game, every track meet, every spelling bee and every talent show. Even when their child doesn't win the game or take home first place, a dad is there to cheer them on and let them know that he is so very proud of them.
9. Challenges his kids
A great father wants his kids to be the very best they can be. He pushes his kids to their full potential because he knows what they are capable of. He makes them reach and give their all because he sees what others cannot.
10. Allows his kids to make some mistakes
A good father realizes his children are human and therefore not perfect. He allows them to make their own mistakes because he realizes that is truly the number one way to learn valuable lessons. You can tell a kid all day not to touch the hot stove, but until they put their hand on that burning stove top, they will not know what hot feels like. A real father allows their kids to touch the stove but is waiting to comfort them after.
11. Teaches his children to appreciate things
From the food on their table to the college education that he is paying for, a dad teaches his kids to appreciate everything in life. He lets them know that nothing comes free in this life and that each and every day is a blessing.
12. Teaches his children lessons
A great dad accepts full responsibility as the educator for his kids. He sees every situation as a teaching opportunity. He wants to teach his children all the life lessons he can while they are willing to listen.
Thank you, Dad, for being a great father.
