I’ve seen a lot of parenting blogs, a lot of lists, and I
have always had my own list in my head. In fact, my publisher wanted me to
write a book that includes some of this, and actually the book is basically written, but I may
never choose to publish it…I have my reasons for not
wanting to. At any rate, here is some of the content, in raw and random form, from the book:
1) It’s OK not to swear…swearing doesn’t make you a
real man, and not swearing doesn’t make you less of a man.
2) The whole “Alpha Male” thing is really overrated…you
don’t always have to be the lead dog, sometimes you can shut it up and let
others lead and speak. You may even learn something.
3) Actually, you don’t have to spank your kids.
Spanking doesn’t = discipline. Spanking = inflicting pain and fear, which is the
least creative and least effective way to discipline. (Yes, I've spanked my kids before. Yes, I regret it).
4) Best part about being married? Falling asleep
while holding my wife’s hand. It's actually her saying, but I agree!
5) There is nothing cooler than being a dad,
period.
6) You don’t HAVE to fight about anything with your
spouse. Nothing requires a fight.
7) Encourage your kids to play a sport, play an
instrument, and learn a foreign language.
8) Your kids should see you kiss your wife on the
lips and cuddle with her on the couch.
9) Make your kids laugh every single day…it may not
happen anywhere else for them.
10) Teach your kids they don’t have to take crap
from anyone, but be sure they understand principles of sound judgment so they
can determine what’s crap and what’s life.
11) Always giving into your kids is not always
loving them.
12) Road trip, road trip, road trip…with music
blaring and voices singing!
13) Teach your kids the concepts of humility and
respect; the best way to do this is by showing/giving both to their mother.
14) Even if the world tells them God doesn’t exist,
share with them why you believe He does, while respecting those who still won’t
or don’t believe.
15) Tell them, more than once every day, that you
love them.
16) Hug your kids…yes, even your sons. Or especially your sons so they will too...
17) What are they (spouse and/or kids) passionate about? Find out and
encourage it. Let them dance, sing, wrestle…whatever, even if it gives you a
friggin’ headache.
18) Since your kids will all play a sport (there is
a reason for this), be sure to coach each of your childrens' teams at some point in
their little league careers.
19) Let them know your expectations (homework,
chores, etc.) and follow up with them.
20) It’s not the end of the world if they scratch
your car…
21) Pray WITH and FOR your family.
22) Spend quality one on one time with each of them.
It is possible.
23) Let your kids take responsibility for their
mistakes and procrastination…don’t bail them out on everything.
24) Limit television watching…for the most part it’s
the biggest time waster known to man.
25) GO OUTSIDE WITH YOUR FAMILY. Get your hands and
feet dirty; get wet; get a sunburn; get stung by a bee; sleep in a tent; get blisters from hiking;
swallow salt water; come home smelling like a campfire...
I have a couple hundred more…but it only takes a few to make a
difference to your family.
The End
SNAPP
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