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Does Being Spiritual Make Men Better Dads?

April 4, 2013 at 10:03 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

“I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. I WILL love them, protect them, and serve them…” So starts the resolution, a promise made by a group of fathers in the movie, Courageous. This movie, as well as evidence scattered throughout scholarly research show that religion promotes and strengthens responsible fathering. I have also had the good fortune of interacting with a few fathers with diverse religious beliefs and practices. Despite [...]

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10 Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier and a Better Father

January 31, 2013 at 11:57 AM / Razor-sharp Tips

Many of us start each new year vowing to be and do better than the year before. We plan to finally complete that book we have been dreaming about for years. Some of us will claim 2013 as the year we complete the Bermuda Day Half Marathon in less than 90 minutes (one of my goals). Others of us will take steps to become more healthy, happy, and holy. Setting these goals does not mean we are not proud of [...]

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The Best Gift Fathers Can Give Their Kids

December 5, 2012 at 7:35 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

One of my son’s grandparents wanted to get him a life size toy car for Christmas. We, his mom and I, thought it was unsuitable for a 6 year-old boy, despite his small stature and physical challenges. Anyway, we wanted to get his feedback on a better Christmas gift for him, and so we asked him what he wanted. To our pleasant surprise, he told us he wanted a Christmas tree and to spend time with his family, particularly his [...]

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How to Love Your Son

November 7, 2012 at 12:24 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

How true it is that a father is a son’s first hero. Do you know just how much your son looks up to you, mimics you, and expects from you? Recently, my wife shared with me a conversation she had with our son. He told her, “Mommy, when daddy says, ‘clean your room,’ I clean my room. When daddy says, ‘read a book,’ I read a book. Mommy, anything daddy tells me to do I do it.” This is my [...]

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Simple Ways to Gain Maternal Support

October 30, 2012 at 1:48 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

Parenting is a two person job. Although society has led many to believe that mothers are the only parents necessary, fathers do play important roles in their children’s development. Interestingly, although there are other factors that limit father involvement, researchers have found that the single most powerful predictor of father’s engagement with their children is the quality of the men’s relationship with the child’s mother. Men who are divorced or separated from their children’s mother have confirmed this discovery. This [...]

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15 Books for Your Bookshelf

October 16, 2012 at 1:18 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

Books are a great source of inspiration and information to help you along your journey of positive manhood and fatherhood. It is also through reading that we gain new perspectives and learn more about ourselves, others, and the world around us. As Brad Kessler said, “A book is like a key that fits into the tumbler of the soul. The two parts have to match in order for each to unlock. Then – Click – a world opens.” I have [...]

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Five Important Decisions Committed Fathers Make

October 9, 2012 at 1:20 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

Since you’re committed to your role as a father, you know that while fatherhood is very rewarding, it’s not always easy. In fact, it often requires men to make some hard and painful decisions. Here are five of those important decisions men have to make to demonstrate their commitment to their families: I will provide the best environment for my family. This doesn’t necessarily mean a luxurious home, fitted out with every possible amenities. It does mean, however, that you [...]

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Benefits of Family Meals

October 1, 2012 at 2:20 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

With the increasing use of and dependence on technology, busy work and school schedules, and the prevalence of fast food options, eating together as a family is perhaps the best way to bring families together, while at the same time promoting a healthy lifestyle. Here are some specific benefits of family meal times: Promotes conversation – family meals provides the perfect environment and atmosphere for conversation to happen. It’s a great time to find out how the kids are doing, overall, [...]

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Planning For ‘Late Parenthood’

September 24, 2012 at 2:43 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

My grandmother recently suffered from a stroke. She is 86 years old and has never been seriously ill before now. So, seeing her in such a helpless state is new, and difficult, for her family. Because she requested to be kept at home, her children are forced to make some adjustments to their ‘normal’ way of life. For example, work schedules need to become more flexible, savings are tapped into, and younger children are encouraged to be more independent while [...]

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Five Key Roles Fathers Play in Their Children’s Development

September 19, 2012 at 11:42 AM / Razor-sharp Tips

By now, most family- and child-centred organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies are aware of the importance of promoting father involvement. There is now substantial evidence, from a diverse repository of research, proving that children with involved fathers do better overall, particularly academically, socially, and emotionally. But who are involved fathers? What do they look like? What do they do? While seeing fathers out with their kids is a great thing to witness, this doesn’t always mean that they are [...]

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Lessons From The First Day of School

September 12, 2012 at 12:27 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

My son has climbed the ranks and is now a first grader. Because of his disability, this is one of those milestones events for him. No doubt, many other parents share the same appreciation. It was great observing moms and dads encouraging, and in some cases consoling, their new or returning students. Amidst all the hellos, tears, and goodbyes here are five things to think about. How they start is not necessarily how they will finish. This lesson may seem obvious [...]

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Five Important Rules to Teach Your Kids

August 29, 2012 at 12:43 PM / Razor-sharp Tips

Although we may not like all rules- some are just annoying, we generally appreciate them and the benefits they offer. For example, when a promise is made, whether implicit or explicit, it is expected to be kept. Those who fail to abide by this rule will not succeed in relationships. The sooner we teach our kids about unwritten and important rules, the better it is for them and those they interact with. Here are five important rules you should teach [...]

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