Being a dad isn’t easy, even in the best of times, and being a great dad is even harder.
Yet, from billions of dads out there right now, do you think you’re in the 1% of best dads? That would be quite an achievement, right?
Can you truly say that you show up every day to this most important job in your life and give it your all? Probably not, right?
And that’s the thing: you don’t have to be the best dad out there. You just have to be the best dad to your kids.
So let’s see what things show that you are an exceptional dad who leads by example.
1) You pay attention to what your kids say
Kids say things ALL THE TIME. They’re almost never quiet. And in that cacophony of words and sounds, no one can blame you if you don’t hear every word they say.
Still, when they talk directly to you, you listen to them and talk to them no matter how trivial the topic is. And that’s because you’re a great dad.
You take the time to really hear what your kids are saying. You don’t just nod along but truly understand where they’re coming from.
You ask questions, show interest, and let them know you’re there for them.
2) You spend some real, undistracted time with your little ones
Spending undistracted time with your kids is incredibly important. But I see too many dads (and moms) on their phones all the time while their kids are talking to them or trying to get their attention.
Spending quality time with your kids means more than just being in the same room. And as an exceptional dad, you know that.
That’s why you put down the phone, turn off the TV, and engage with your kids. You play games, go for walks, or simply chat about their day.
It’s easy to get caught up in work or other distractions, but when you’re with your kids, you’re all in.
You put away the worries and stresses of the day and focus on being present in the moment with them.
Quality time builds bonds that last a lifetime.
3) You encourage their creativity
Another thing exceptional dads do all the time is encourage their imagination by providing opportunities for creative expression.
Through art, music, or storytelling, you encourage them to explore their creative side and embrace their exceptional talents.
When you encourage your kids to get creative, you’re opening up a world of possibilities for them.
You’re telling them that it’s okay to think differently, to explore their ideas, and to express themselves however they want.
4) You set boundaries so they have structure
If you look at kids these days, it becomes apparent that they need more structure in their lives. Their parents work too much, and when they’re together, both kids and parents are often distracted by screens.
And look, I’d be lying if I said I’m not guilty of that at times.
Kids need rules to feel safe and secure, and setting boundaries for your kids is a crucial aspect of being an exceptional dad.
They need to know what’s expected of them, what’s acceptable behavior, and what’s off-limits.
Boundaries also teach your kids valuable life skills, like responsibility and respect. When they know there are consequences for crossing the line, they learn to make better choices and take ownership of their actions.
5) You’re all about hugs, kisses, high-fives
Exceptional dads know that hugs, kisses, and high-fives are the secret sauce of parenting.
That’s why you believe that actions speak louder than words when it comes to displaying affection, and this is your way of letting them know they’re loved and valued every single day.
When you hug your kids tight, spend time with them, or help out when they need it, you’re telling them loud and clear, “I care about you.”
You’re putting your love into action.
And I’m the same with my son, who is four years old now. He’s great and really smart. He also loves hugging and kissing and loves being around other kids more than anything.
I really believe that my actions teach him how to treat others. When you’re patient, kind, and understanding, they learn by example how to be good people.
6) You teach them to take care of their stuff and clean up after themselves
When your kids clean up after themselves, they’re learning to take responsibility for their own stuff.
Outstanding dads start early by involving them in age-appropriate chores and tasks around the house.
Cleaning up teaches them to respect their environment and the people they share it with, like not leaving a tornado of toys in the living room for everyone else to deal with!
I learned this the hard way when I started stepping on loose Legos one day. That was the tipping point, and my son soon realized how important it is to have a clean living environment.
As a kid myself, it was my job to hoover our relatively big house each Saturday morning. My mom taught me how important that was, even though I naturally hated doing it.
7) You’re patient
Parenting can be frustrating at times, but patience is key. Kids need to have the time and space they need to learn and grow.
Being patient means you’re there for them through the ups and downs like a steady rock they can always lean on. No matter how messy things get, you’ve got their back.
It’s also about keeping your cool when things get crazy. Instead of flipping out, you stay chill and figure things out together, like a dynamic duo tackling challenges side by side.
8) You’re the kind of person you want your kids to grow up to be
Your kids are watching and learning from you every day. That’s why great dads walk the walk. They show their kids what it means to be kind, compassionate, and resilient through their actions every day.
Through honesty, integrity, and empathy, great dads instill important values in their kids simply by being who they are.
They believe in passing down a legacy of goodness from one generation to the next.
If you’re anything like me, you believe in your kids’ potential and encourage them to dream big.
And through my determination, work ethic, and perseverance, I inspire my son to aim high, as I’m living proof that hard work and passion can lead to success.
9) You apologize when necessary
Nobody’s perfect, not even dads. When you make a mistake, you own up to it and apologize.
It shows them that it’s okay to mess up sometimes and teaches your kids the importance of humility and accountability.
Apologizing is super important as it builds trust between you and your kids. It shows them that you respect them enough to own up to your blunders and make things right.
It also teaches them about empathy and understanding. By saying sorry, you’re showing them that you care about how your actions affect them.
10) You encourage independence
I always let my son explore and try new things on his own. I think that encouraging independence builds his confidence and helps him develop important life skills like problem-solving and decision-making.
Independence also teaches kids to take responsibility for their actions. They learn that their choices have consequences, which is a big part of growing up.
In the end, our ultimate goal is to raise strong, independent adults. By nurturing their independence early on, we’re setting them up for success in the long run.
11) You embrace the funny moments and create memories
Sharing laughter and creating funny memories together strengthens the bond between you and your kids, right? You’re adding extra layers of joy and connection to your relationship.
I love making my kid laugh, and I’m sure you do too.
When you make your kid laugh, it’s like sharing a special secret between the two of you. It’s a moment of pure connection and delight that strengthens the bond you share.
Most importantly, those funny moments aren’t just momentary. On the contrary, they become cherished memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
From a hilarious joke and a silly dance to a playful game, those moments of laughter become part of your family’s unique story.
Final thoughts
There’s nothing else to say but keep cheering them on as they spread their wings and discover what they’re capable of.
You’re their biggest fan, and they’re lucky to have you in their corner!
