There Are Many Great Fathers - Are You One?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_W_Litt]Steve W Litt
Sitting in a library waiting for a meeting to start, I saw a book on "Incest Survivors". I was early for the meeting, so I picked it up and started with the introduction.
The author began her story something like this: "It was late and the house was dark. I was in bed pretending to be asleep when my father opened the door and quietly moved toward my bed. He bent over me while I continued to pretend to sleep. He inched closer and kissed me on the forehead, tucked in my blanket and tiptoed out of the room. You see, I grew up knowing what good touch was from a man I could trust and love without fear. Many children did not have that experience."
I was expecting another incest story, but instead was reminded that there are wonderful fathers out there. Men that make the world safe for their children are all around us. I watch men in my practice turn their lives around. I witness miracles every day. One of the happiest moments for many of them is when they recognize that they have become the dad they wanted to be. Here's how.
First a great Father shows up! He takes every opportunity to be there for his children and their mother. He is involved in their lives on a daily basis. He changes diapers, bathes babies, teaches his children the difference between right and wrong by his example and his words. He tickles, laughs and reads to or with his children.
The great fathers listen to their kids and try to understand who they are. They ignore little mistakes, but give great attention to successes. They guide by offering direction and correction in a loving way. By doing these things they teach their sons how to be men and fathers and teach daughters what to look for in men.
The greatest gift a father can give his children is to treat their mother well, even if the couple is divorced or apart. This offers children a role model and a sense of security and well being. Children are grateful when their parents have a relationship that works well and is stable, loving and fun.
If, as a father, you have not done as well as you wanted, there is always time to improve.
Start today!
No matter what your life is, you will find it enhanced by trying to be the next father of the year. I have witnessed many men finding their way to greatness. They were not the best fathers until they started working on it in a concerted way.
You can do this! You can be a great Dad. Maybe you already are.
Real Men are there for their kids!
Steve Litt has been providing psychotherapy for over 40 years. Steve was named Therapist of the Year by the Colorado branch of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) for 2010. Steve provides original content at [http://blog.smarterrelationships.com/]SMARTERrelationships.com. You can follow him on Twitter at [http://www.twitter.com/stevelittadvice]@SteveLittAdvice.
Steve W Litt, LCSW
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?There-Are-Many-Great-Fathers---Are-You-One?&id=6425166] There Are Many Great Fathers - Are You One?