|
5 Primary Goals For Divorced Fathers |
|
Written by Ken Canfield
|
There are 5 primary goals for divorced fathers to adhere to:
1. Keep your promises.
Your kids are depending on
you, and kept promises are an important way you can create stability
during a time of uncertainty. Each broken promise, no matter how small,
reduces their trust in you a little bit, and can really erode over
time. So, think before you speak, and do everything you can to keep
your word...
2. Show your kids that you'll be okay.
For them to feel confident and at peace, they have to see that you are.
If it's obvious that you're devastated, they'll be insecure. That
doesn't mean you never show weaknesses; honesty is critical. But show
them in words and actions that you can make it through the tough times.
3. Support their mother.
Impossible, you say? It's a vital element of any healthy family intact
or otherwise. Recognize that cutting her down lowers you in the long
run. Help them honor her as their mother. Work out disagreements in
private.
4.Be the best parent you can be.
That's all you can control anyway. They need patience and
understanding, fair limits, balance and consistency from you, so don't
try to counteract their mom's parenting style. It brings more harm than
good.
5. Be involved for the long haul.
It sounds obvious, but it's amazing how many divorced dads get
sidetracked by a new job, a different city, or a new relationship maybe
with a new family and lose track of the sincere commitments they made
to their children. Being a positive influence in your kids' lives means
being there when they need you, for small and big things.
Don't let your motivation as a dad fall off through the years because
of frustration or the tedium of routine. You are important to your kids
even if they don't always show it.
|
