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Sunday, June 21, 2015

Father's Day, 2015

Ten thoughts on what I think makes a good father.

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A good father is someone who knows that the job of a parent is to teach their children how to be functional, independent adults.  Sometimes that means giving them things.  Other times that means not giving them things.

A good father is someone who teaches and demonstrates the value of life-long learning.  It doesn't matter what his children are learning, by the way, just as long as they keep learning something.

A good father is someone who who is both humble and confident.

A good father is someone who works hard and therefore demonstrates the value and nobility that can be found in hard work.

A good father is someone who laughs with his children.

A good father is someone who teaches his children the value of questioning, everything.  What is true in this world will withstand questioning; what is not won't.

A good father is someone who listens to music, and encourages his children to listen to music.

A good father is someone who is not perfect, but in that imperfection teaches his children that no one is, in fact, perfect.  And that's okay.

A good father is someone who demonstrates to his children that life is full of wonder and opportunities.

A good father is someone who knows when and how to be there for this children.  Sometimes it's not a good idea to prevent the fall, but it's always a good idea to be there to help pick up the pieces.


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