You are not perfect. You know this but your kids can sometimes have an unrealistic expectation of their father. You need to show them that even though you make mistakes from time to time, it's how you accept your responsibility of your error.

Your children do not need another friend. Your job is a tough one...maybe the toughest job you will ever have. You have the responsibility of making sure that your kids grow up and learn right from wrong. You must show them that when circumstances arise that seem to be unfair and doing the right thing can be a very hard task, it is your job - you're a dad!

Fathers want their offspring to be smart, successful, famous, and popular - all of the things that might have eluded them throughout their lives. A good dad's parental methods are different from those of a good mom. While their styles differ, they are complementary. In today's single-parent households, children are missing out on this duality of parental roles. While mothers excel at the nurturing and reassurance, do not be quick to dismiss the importance of a father in the daily lives of their children.

Fathers tend to be more 'rough-house' in their natural style. This forcefulness is very important in the rounded development of children. They need to learn this physical-style of interaction teaches kids that they must be risk-takers. The world is a tough and unforgiving place for the meek or timid. Learning how to survive in the world around them and how to interact with other kids requires a strong and constant interaction that prepares kids both physically and morally for the challenges ahead.

A great dad is one who can joke around with his kids. A dad that can show a sense of humor and at the same time instill a sense of awe is way ahead of the game. But, this is a fine line. In this "it is not important to win but to feel good" world we live in, it is not easy to say no. Limits must be set and consequences handed out for crossing them. Dad has to be the dad, not their friend. The child that learns that striking out in the ball game is just a small but tough bump in the road of life will be much better equipped to deal with the larger bumps and potholes that life throws towards them later on in their lives.

A dad makes sure that actions have consequences. It used to be the old cliché when mom would utter, "Just wait until your father gets home". There is a reason for this. Dad must be the sheriff. This is because mom provides safety and nurturing so someone has to be the disciplinarian. But this is a double-edge sword. All discipline all the time from dad and the children grow to fear and resent his advice, regardless of its fact or value. This is why it is critically important that dad insist on 'fair play'. The only discipline comes at the crossing of a line. Staying within bounds and achieving expectations require reward when it is appropriate, not just for doing what is expected.