New Year, New Dad! 7 Easy Ways to be a Great Dad This Year!

As you get started in the new year, Dad, we're committed to helping you fulfill your most important resolution ever: to be the best dad you can be for your kids!

Last week we encouraged you to think through 7 questions to help you set goals for the New Year. This week, we have 7 practical tips to help you put those goals into action.

7 Tips for Implementing Your New Year, New Dad Goals:

Tip #1: Stay Focused - When you are at work, remember your goals you identified for what you want to improve in your family and as a dad this year. By staying focused at work, you can begin to minimize time away from your family. By remembering your goals at home, you will be eager to work on them when you return.
Tip #2: Find an Ally - Last week, Question 2 encouraged you to talk to your child's mother. This week, find support from another dad. By talking about some of the same issues you face and sharing what you want to work on, you can hold each other accountable.
Tip #3: Be a Role Model - Pay attention this week to what you say and how you act around your children, even if you aren't directly talking to them. By being a good role model, you are teaching them how men should act and how they are to take care of their family.
Tip #4: Eat Together as a Family - Whether it is breakfast or dinner, sit down to eat at the table with your family and focus on just each other. This Time magazine article reported that kids who eat meals regularly with their family are less likely to get involved in drugs or to experience depression and are more likley to do well in school and eat healthy. Check out these suggestions from NFI on making the most of mealtime.
Tip #5: Earn the Right to Be Heard - Take time this week to listen to your children's ideas and problems. Try to refrain from answering question and allow them to open up to you. The more you do this, the more you will learn about your family.
Tip #6: Be a Teacher - Your child will look to you for guidance and direction. This week, take some time to teach your children about something you care about, either a topic you are intrested in or something they bring up.
Tip #7: Discipline with Love - One of a father's most important roles is to discipline his children. Discipline is about teaching and setting reasonable limits. Remind your children that there are consequences for themsevles and others for all of their actions. Remember to affirm their good behavior, too! Check out our age-specific advice on discipline.