NSPCC tips for dads
Traditionally, the family focus is on the mother-child relationship and it's easy for dads to feel a bit left out. To help dads with their crucial parenting role, the NSPCC has released these ten top tips.
Learn to listen - It's never too early to learn to recognise the signs your child gives you. Remember, crying is a baby's main language and is designed to alert parents to their needs. In the early days, respond as quickly as possible to your child's crying.
Repeat it - Annoying as it can be, children repeat behaviour, even after you have told them not to do something. It is important to remember that this behaviour is normal, not naughty.
Set boundaries - It is still important to set reasonable boundaries for your child and to stick to them: children feel happier when they know where the limits are.
Don't shout - When you set the boundaries, it is important not to be intimidating. Shouting for example, may well seem to work in the short term, but it's more likely that a child will concentrate more on your behaviour rather than the rules you are setting out.
Get down to their level - When a child is testing your limits, try and see things from their point of view. If they see an adult directing anger at them, it can be very scary. This not only means taking on board their opinion and listening to what they have to say, but literally kneeling down and addressing them at their level.
Get physical - Provide plenty of opportunities for physical exercise. Make sure your child has the opportunity, every day if possible, to run around and do other energetic things, such as playing with a ball, cycling, skipping. This is particularly useful for the child who seems to have too much energy.
Praise - Give lots of specific praise when your child does something to please you. Try concentrating on the good behaviour and ignore minor naughty behaviour.
Don't hit out - Never smack your child. Smacking may look like it has the desired effect in the short term but ultimately you are teaching your child that hitting others will resolve a conflict. Sometimes parents feel they need to smack harder and harder in order to get a result: this is a dangerous spiral.
Ask for help - Parenting is tough, don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. If you feel you don't want to speak to your family or friends, call the NSPCC's 24-hour child protection helpline on 0808 800 5000. It's free and confidential.
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Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.