Following my split from the mother of my 3 older kids I found myself doing a lot of soul searching. My kids were always important to me but I used the opportunity to focus on my relationship with them. I sat down one afternoon and wrote out this list and labeled it the "Dad Commandments". A laminated copy was in my wallet for a number of years until it got stolen. Most items in the wallet like credit cards and cash were easily replaced but I was quite sad to lose this list. Luckily I had put it into a Facebook post but that was a needle in a haystack till it popped up in a memory the other day. I don't know if I ever told the kids about it but I still try to live by these guidelines.
Love supersedes all
Instill confidences
Admit when you're wrong and allow them to admit when they are while showing compassion
Fun is essential but education is primary
Be honest but accept the occasional need to say, "I don't think it’s appropriate we discuss that"
You can't say "I love you" too much (with words or actions)
Show interest and ask questions.
Do what's right not what's popular.
Teach by example, BE what you want them to be
Keep an open mind
3/18/2021