My dad was almost none of the things some of the people above listed.

(Although they are all great ideas!!)

Yet my father was my HERO. He died over 20 years ago when I was just 22, and I still miss him.

You don't have to be perfect. Heck 'perfect' is about the hardest thing to live up to. Just be there. My dad and I shared watching Steeler games together. I still remember those days. We also went to the library together, perhaps that's where I get my love of books....

You don't even have to be there everyday. But just be there. Share your self with her. And listen.

And don't worry. I can tell you already have it nailed down. It's like brushing your teeth every day. It doesn't take much. But it does take doing it consistantly over years and years.

Some people do it intensely for a few weeks/months then quit for an equally long time, then back at it. Nope that doesn't work. Messes things up more.

My daughter just turned 7, and was crying tonight at the idea that one day I will die. She swears she'll never leave me. I don't believe her, but think it's sweet anyway.

My dad taught me a lot of things, mostly about nature, and inspired my love for the outdoors. I always saw him as a great teacher. I still ask him questions often. Different dads/moms play different roles I guess.

Thanks for all the good advice. My daughters are actually pretty funny. They have sarcasm. I think they may have thought I was sarcastic or something. I could be a better father...more attentive..

if you treat your daughters with lots of love, respect, gentleness, build their self-esteem and self-confidence up to be whatever they can be. by your example as a man, show them what they need to look for in relationships. lead by example. xoxoxoxoxo

Just make sure they get enough tacos and they will be just fine. Start really really early with the jalapenos though, it takes time. :). They are very lucky little girls. I want you to be my daddy.

Thier like little comedians

Just be there for them. Stay in their lives. Be interested and be part of the decision-making whenever possible. Be consistently involved ... not just as needed. From what you've always written about them, it sounds like you are a very attentive Father already Rman. I think they'll always be in your life ... which in itself, will help.


My STBX was NOT involved in his daughter's lives on a consistent basis. His youngest (now 23) was a "dancer" for a while; also got experimented quite a bit with hard drugs. She's now living with an alcoholic and is raising her own daughter.

You definitely got good advice. But let me help. I am a product of divorce (yeah lifes pattern I get it) and I did not grow up with a dad and mom was no shining role model either.

Born of parents 16 & 17 yrs, that married, dad was physically abusive and they divorced about 10 year later. Mom had turbulent relationships until I moved out onto my own right before I turned 17 yrs and never went back home.

I never did anything wild, was responsible. Never did drugs or was (too) promiscuous. Would good role models have help, heck yeah?

Look only good parents at the end of the day ask if they did a good job. The parents that suck never ask, they think their on target. Never wanting to improve themselves or their kids.

So be there!! Thats what it takes. Show them through living responsibly how they should. Love them with respect and provides rules and guidelines. Teach responsibility and manners. Show them they are valuable and able.

You dont have to be perfect, you dont have to give or have the best. What you are and who you are is perfect for them. All they need is attention and love.

I heard about this man that would take his daughter's out on date nights several times a year starting around 12 or so. He would hold doors for them, pull out their chairs etc. He taught them how they should make a man treat them. He showed them what to expect on a date and to get rid of the ones that didn't give them that respect.

In other words flip five or die sld1

Hold their hands when they need and when you want to show how close you are. Tell them you love them every time you have a chance and call them to tell them you are near if they want to talk to you. Take them to the park, eat ice cream with them, have a picnic and take lots of pictures. Put them all in the refrigerator and let them see them when they come over.

CMondo...are you suggesting that I put my kids in the refridgerator? Huh...I never thought of that one...thanks!

Dunno brother, parenting is certainly not a book I could write.

However my daughter babysits and runs a camp in the summer. She managed to miss/avoid being a stripper for some magical reason. I would say... expose them to different things, when you speak to them or they you, make them think. It's what we did. Daughter will be graduating college next year, and boy wonder has a 4.3 GPA.

Go figure.

refrigerator ha ha yeah I have to run and get my boys out of the fridge right now. Thats fucked up man

Wow, TD...you should be proud.