Many years ago, I worked as a filmmaker creating fishing documentaries. One of the clients was a fishing lure manufacturer called Storm Lures. Their slogan at the time was: “Always Think Like A Fish, No Matter How Weird It Gets.”

I enjoy wetting a line, and the little I know about recreational fishing, I mostly picked up during my time filming fantastic fishing adventures, but I always found Storm’s slogan strangely compelling. For the fisherman, or “fisho” looking to catch that fish of a lifetime, trying to think like a fish is a great starting point.

For us dads, something similar could be said when it comes to being the best father you can be: Try to think like your child. To elaborate, if you want to connect with your child at a deeper level, put yourself in their position and try to see the world through their eyes.

When our friends at the Andrew Gray Podcast recently reached out about sponsoring their latest video, “What Your Kids Wish You Knew About Being Their Dad“, Dads4Kids was grateful for the opportunity.

Andrew Gray and his producer Glaucco Tomaz are doing excellent work, creating content to empower men and usher in a renaissance of healthy masculinity. The “What Your Kids Wish You Knew About Being Their Dad” description box gives a great overview:

“Being a dad is one of the most important roles a man can have — but how do you become the best father you can be? In this video, we break down the top 5 essential tips to help you grow as a dad, build stronger connections with your kids, and create a lasting impact.

From unconditional love to discipline and personal growth, we cover what truly makes a difference in your child’s life.”

Andrew is a dynamic communicator, and it’s a great discussion, if I may say so. My top five tips in the video are:

1. Love your children unconditionally, which doesn’t mean you do everything for them once they’ve grown up or simply agree with everything they say or do. As Andrew and I discuss, loving unconditionally is nuanced. The main thing is that your kids know you love them simply because they are your son or daughter.

2. Take an active role in the discipline, or instruction and training, of your kids. Andrew and I elaborate further in the video, but in essence dads have a vitally important role to play in coaching their kids and preparing them for adulthood.

3. Be the joy-bringer in your family. What do I mean by this? To balance out dad’s critical role in instructing and training (see tip 2), equally as important is the role dads can play in creating fun-filled experiences for the whole family. It could be as simple as mastering the art of dad jokes, but it needs to involve having fun with your family.

4. Be a good listener. As much as you possibly can, be present and active in your child’s life. Put another way, do your best to demonstrate an active interest in your child’s interests. Andrew explains it beautifully this way: Choose to love watching them love what they are doing.

5. Love and respect the mother of your children, or as I say in the video: Lay down your life for your wife. As we often say here at Dads4Kids, one of the best things you can do for your kids is to love your wife. If you’re no longer in a relationship with the mother of your children, do your best to respect and speak well of your kid’s mum. Your love for your wife provides security for your kids, and as Andrew points out, a healthy husband-wife relationship models healthy relationships for your kids.

You’ll have to watch the interview to hear Andrew’s top 5 essential tips, but I can say he borrowed at least one of mine. In fairness, I certainly picked up a few great dad tips from him, and I hope you do, too!

Lovework

If you can, watch the video. Like, share and subscribe to the Andrew Gray Podcast. It’s also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If you enjoy a good podcast, follow Andrew Gray’s today — you’ll be encouraged in your manhood!

By putting ourselves in our children’s shoes and fathering with empathy, we’ll become love leaders in our homes, and the familial bonds will grow ever stronger.

Yours for fathering with empathy,
Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and would like to help us continue Building Men, Growing Fathers, and Changing Generations, please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

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Image courtesy of Adobe.