Fathers play a vital role in the development of their children. This includes their social development—children learn about the dynamics of adult relationships by watching their parents interact with each other. Most cases of divorce and domestic violence happen to men and women who grew up without a good example of a healthy relationship.
These 10 tips can help you model a healthy relationship to your children. This way, they’ll know how to treat their partners well in their future relationships, and will also know how they should be treated.
1. Love their mother
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” — Rev.Theodore Hesburgh
It makes a world of a difference when your children can sense that you and your partner love and respect one another. Even if you and your partner are no longer together, treating each other with a respect is still key.
2. Communication
Having meaningful conversations with your children teaches them how to communicate properly with adults. And chances are, if you and your partner communicate effectively, your children will pick up on that.
3. Dealing with conflict
Your children need to learn from your example about the proper way to handle disagreements and conflict. To read more about having healthy arguments in front of your kids, read: 5 Surprising reasons why it’s okay to fight in front of your kids.
4. Thinking the best of others
By teaching your kids to give others the benefit of the doubt and try to see situations from other people’s perspectives. This also teaches them compassion and cooperation.
5. Willingness to improve
Relationships are about compromise and growth. Instead of focusing on being right and “winning” every argument, we should, instead, strive to be better.
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