As we approach another Father’s Day.  Dads everywhere are prepping their grills, coolers, and streaming services to watch their favorite game or show.  We believe Dads can be so much more in the lives of their kids.  From all the Dads at  4MyTots, we want to challenge you to try something new, do something you don’t do often enough, or just do a little bit more with your kids!  We’ve summarized the areas in your child’s life where they look to Dad as they grow up in this 3 part blog series

1. How are you as a role model and teacher to your child?
2. How are you as a Provider for your child?
3. How are you as a friend and companion to your child?

In Part 3, we are going to focus on How are you as a friend and companion to your child?

.  Ask yourself the following:

• Do you see yourself as a friend to your child? 

• Do you see yourself as a play companion to your child? 

Yes, fathers can be great friends for their children. They can listen to their children, offer advice, and help them through new and difficult emotional or physical times.

Here are some ideas for how fathers can be friends for their children:

• Be there for them. One of the best things a father can do for his child is to be there for them. This means being present, engaged, and available. It also means being willing to listen to their problems, offer advice, and help them through tough times.
• Be supportive. Fathers should be supportive of their children's dreams and goals. They should encourage them to pursue their passions and help them achieve their goals.
• Be honest. Fathers should be honest with their children, even when it's difficult. They should tell them the truth, even if it's not what they want to hear.
• Be respectful. Fathers should respect their children's opinions and feelings. They should treat them as equals and listen to them with an open mind.
• Be fun. Fathers should be fun to be around. They should enjoy spending time with their children and try to make them happy.  Being lighthearted, joking and playful helps kids maintain high and positive energy levels.

Fathers who are friends for their children help them to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. They also help them to build strong relationships and live happy and fulfilling lives.

Here are some specific examples of how fathers can be friends for their children:

• A father can be a friend by listening to his child talk about their day. He can also be a friend by offering advice and support when his child is going through a tough time.
• A father can be a friend by playing games with his child. He can also be a friend by taking his child on outings and adventures.
• A father can be a friend by simply being there for his child. He can do this by spending time with his child, talking to them, and showing them that he loves and cares about them.
• Mealtimes.  We mentioned in part 1 and 2 of this blog series about the importance of mealtime.  You can incorporate listening, playing games, and being present during mealtime. You can read or review part 1 and part 2 .

Fathers who are friends for their children are more likely to have children who are happy, healthy, and successful.

Fathers play an essential role in the lives of their children. They provide love, support, guidance, and education. Children who grow up with involved fathers are more likely to be successful in school, have healthy relationships, and live happy and fulfilling lives.

Here are some tips for fathers who want to be more involved in their children's lives:

• Spend time with your children. This means more than just being physically present. It means being engaged and interactive. Play games, read books, go for walks, or just talk to your children about their day.
• Be a positive role model. Show your children what it means to be a good person. Be honest, respectful, and responsible.
• Provide emotional support. Let your children know that you love them and that you are there for them. Listen to them when they are upset or need to talk.
• Be involved in their education. Help your children with their homework, attend parent-teacher conferences, and get to know their teachers.
• Be a friend. Be someone that your children can trust and confide in. Be there for them when they need you.

Yes, fathers can be great playmates for their children. Playing with children can help them develop their physical and cognitive skills, and it can also help them learn about the world around them.

Here are some ideas for how fathers can play with their children:

• Teach them youth sports or outdoor activities. Playing sports can help children develop their physical skills, such as coordination, strength, and agility. It can also help them learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.  Even better, get involved in coaching your child’s team if possible. For more on coaching your kids click here
• Play games. Playing games can help children develop their cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, memory, and attention. It can also help them learn about strategy, cooperation, and competition.  Click here for Games to play with your Dad
• Go on adventures. Going on adventures can help children learn about the world around them. It can also help them develop their problem-solving skills, their creativity, and their sense of adventure.  Hiking, biking, going on a walk in a different neighborhood can create a fun adventure in a different, less familiar environment.
• Just be there. Sometimes, the best thing a father can do is just be there to play with his child. This means being present, engaged, and having fun.

Playing with children is a great way to bond with them and help them grow and develop. It is also a lot of fun!

Being a father is a wonderful and rewarding experience. It certainly requires a lot of work and commitment of time. But what could be more important? By being involved in your children's lives, you can make a positive difference in their lives and help them grow up to be happy, healthy, and successful adults.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors at 4mytots.com and do not necessarily reflect any official