How To Be A Better Dad: Life Lessons
How To Be a Better Dad is the fatherhood and co-parenting section on SingleDad. Share and exchange great fatherhood advice from our members who are in all stages of fatherhood. Our topic today is teaching our children life lessons.
Dear SingleDad,
I have 3 sons who are 9,7, and 5 years old. I have an idea what I want to teach my sons but I also want to teach them important life lessons. I know a few from my own personal experience, but I wanted another perspective. Any life lessons to share? Thanks.
-Gabe, 36
What a great question, Gabe! Props to you for looking for outside perspectives. I’m sure if you asked 100 people on the street one life lesson they could share they would all be different. Here’s a few to share with you!
- Authenticity
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. I know it’s such a common one, but it’s so common because it’s so true! Humans crave community and relating. Sometimes so much so that we are sponges and follow a crowd. Following a crowd can create an identity rather than knowing or building our own. Your sons all have their own strengths and characteristics, make sure those are highlighted. Being ourselves attracts those meant to be in our lives and I believe it makes life much less complicated.
- Flowing With Life
From my personal experience I had to learn how to accept, let go, and flow with life. The funny thing about this journey is we will lose things. We’ll lose friends, family, jobs, pets, materialistic items. Sometimes we dwell on what we lost and forget that life continues on anyway. Being able to accept and let go of what we cannot control creates resilience and peace.
- Forgiveness
Forgiveness I think goes along with flowing with life. We don’t forgive others for them but for ourselves. Holding onto anger or pain that we can’t control keeps us stuck in a hamster wheel. Life is still moving but we’re not present to live it. Learning what true forgiveness is and being able to do so allows us to continue living. Forgiveness makes room for growth.
- Vulnerability
Don’t be afraid to feel, don’t be afraid to let someone in, don’t be afraid to be open. We never want to be hurt so we guard ourselves from it. Guarding ourselves has to be done in balance. We must protect ourselves, but not cut ourselves off from new experiences. If we do I think we regret it later on, questioning the what if. Humans are made for connection and made for growth. We may find a beautiful connection that we are willing to work for or it may fade away. No matter what though, never regret being vulnerable because you now have a different mind and you were open to what was being offered. Even if there is heartbreak that comes, never regret being human and being true.
I would say these are life lessons that are important. These lessons all tie into one another; pain will happen in life and we can’t always avoid it. Nor do I believe we are meant to. Stay true to yourself, be open to what life offers, and always be there for yourself in order to continue on with a positive mind.
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