Stephen asked me to start our first post by listing what I think are the seven (7) fathering skills I thought were the most import skills I learned in my 36  years as a father,  teacher, and coach.

Here’s my list of seven

1. Be honest – That means never lie to your children.
2. Be dependable – They must know that when you say something you mean it.
3. Admit mistakes – It’s important to let your children know you are human  and make mistakes.  It makes it okay for them to make mistakes.
4. Listen to your children – Often they speak in a language we might call a foreign language which we have to interpret not only by what they say but by what they do.  Give them all your attention when they act out or are telling you something.  Acting out is a form of communication.
5. Set a good example –  Children learn more from what you do that what you say.
6. Your children should be the most important persons in your life –  Your wife is important too, but the good of the children must always come first.
7. Be a Dad not a friend – Dad’s guide and often play with their children, but realize guiding is always the first priority.  A child needs a Dad, not a friend.

I had a list of 15 things that I thought were most important, but have only listed seen.

There are many sub-topics which will provide  many areas for thought and discussion in the future.