Sperm donor vs. DAD!!!

What makes a good father? I’ve talked about being a mom, step-mom, families… but not just completely about what it takes to be a good dad and what women (or at least I) want in the qualities of a good father! I read a quote that’s totally true… women don’t just want a sperm donor!!! J But, in saying that… WHY do some men, besides it just being their personalities, think it’s okay to just get the woman pregnant and that’s their only job. Like leaving the child raising solely to the mom is right, good, or beneficial for anyone? Most women, at least the ones I know, including me, want to be with someone that would be a great dad. Anyone guys out there can father a child… but it makes it who they are to be a good DAD! Agree? Disagree? Most women want what’s best for their children or step-children, and that means having a partner in crime to raise the kids! Two heads and hearts are better than one! So for all you dads out there…be a good one!!! I was blessed to have a great dad… one that would do things with me, help me, discipline me (I hated that at the time!), ask me about my day, and love me. He would do anything for me. They say that girls want to marry men that are like their fathers… and I want to marry a guy that’s the same, a great dad to his kids (along with a great husband to his wife!).

What qualities does a great dad possess? Here’s a few…
· Have fun with them! Smile and be friendly.
· Discipline along with the mother… make parenting a partnership so the child has a solid front of support
· You’re a provider… in many ways, not only financially, but emotionally
· Say “I love you” and “I’m proud of you”… affection and warmth
· Be a supportive teacher through what you do and say. Kids will not grow up and automatically make the right decisions and know right from wrong- they need to be taught! You will make mistakes, and so will they… just make sure that you or they are learning from the mistakes and not making them over and over!
· Make traditions with your child solely, and as your family as a whole
· Respect your children’s mother. Mutual respect, no matter if married or not, will show you can lead by example. Children will see this and it will greatly influence the way they will be in a relationship and as a parent
· Set achievable goals for them
· Make the time and commit the energy to learn the skills you will need to be a caring, empathetic, and competent dad. Remember you and your wife/the mom are teaching each other along the way too, and the learning never ends! Kids are wonderful teachers!
· Read to your children! Kids learn best by learning and doing… they will grow up this day and promote a lifetime of personal and career growth
· Eat together as a family. This will add structure to a busy day and offers a chance for listening, advice, and togetherness! (I, by the way, LOVE this part of a day!!!! J- it’s my favorite!)

If you are a dad and already possess these qualities… congratulations…. You’re amazing! You have an unbelievable amount of responsibility and you should be so proud! Good job. Your child will greatly benefit and thank you one day!

Remember: Being a parent is one of the most rewarding yet challenging jobs you can have. No one is born being a natural mom or dad; these skills are learned, and some take more time than others!