WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A FATHER?

Fathers Day has been celebrated as a National Holiday since 1972 to honor fathers nationwide. In addition to the cards, gifts and backyard barbecues, this day could be one of self-evaluation to reflect on your role as a father and what that means.

One of the most important roles that men will ever engage in is being a father, and all fathers have an ideal image of how they want to be in that role. In your self-evaluation process, here are some questions that you may ask yourself. You may even want to ask your children these questions in an effort to get their perspective.

• "What else would I like to do with my children?"
• "What didn't happen between me and my children?"
• "What is the extent of my emotional connection with my children?"
• "What are the barriers preventing me from being involved with my children like I want to be?"
• "How is what I'm doing a reflection of what my father did with me?"

The second part of the self-evaluation process should begin with fathers reflecting on the question "How would I like to be as a father?"

Finally, the answer to the above question should be formulated into a Strategic Plan that includes goals like:

• "I want to tell my children I love them more often"
• "I want to spend less time at work and take off occasionally to do things with my children"
• "I want to take a walk with my child"
• "I want to tell my child a story about my childhood"
• "I want to feel closer to my children"

How a father perceives his role is very important in developing a healthy relationship with his children.

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