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Thoughts From a Dad

Children are gifts, to which parents brought life Treasures to cherish, keep from trouble and strife Guide them and shape them, try to invest Just how you raise them will aid their progress. Tell them you love them is the number one rule Never compare them to others, that’s certainly not cool Be patient and listen it never does harm Hugging them daily, makes them feel charmed. Read them a story and broaden their mind Encourage them daily for their own way to find Leave them no doubt; you intend to always be there That they’ll learn from mistakes so never show fear Sitting and talking is how families have meals Sharing life with your loved ones, is part of the deal Chores give them value as part of your team Talk them through problems, and give them esteem Tell them hard work, not talent, is the true way to earn Help them with homework you might even learn Consequences come, as a result of an action That time spent together is never distraction Parenting’s not easy, with the odd stumble and fall Remember simple stuff works like throwing a ball Support and inspire them to chase all their dreams Making good adults is the number one theme. *Not everyone will agree and there are so many other thing that could be added.

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Funom Makama

Date: 10/30/2015 7:05:00 AM

This is lovely and great! I miss your work my dear poet. Refreshing... so refreshing!!

Gail Debole

Date: 10/8/2015 5:55:00 PM

I agree with everything you stated. Your children are lucky to have such a loving and caring dad (and talented).

Mark Woods
Date: 10/9/2015 4:00:00 AM

You are too kind Gail. I'm just a normal Dad that wants the best for his children, which is what every parent wants. Like all parents we know our children have to stand on their own two feet one day, so we try and prepare them for that.

CayCay Jennings

Date: 10/7/2015 5:25:00 PM

I am happy to read 'parenting' from the Dad's perspective and what an 'ideal' one it is. There is love and wisdom in each line, Mark. I enjoyed it very much, the advice is excellent, I can't think of anything you left out ... CayCay

Mark Woods
Date: 10/7/2015 10:37:00 PM

Setting boundaries is an important one I left out! It helps to avoid negotiations, which are a nuisance. Mind you the last time I asked for a compelling argument I got a 10 page typed case study! I caved in as the effort deserved reward.

Miraj Raha

Date: 10/6/2015 9:29:00 AM

Great advice given Mark,fathers should read this.

Mark Woods
Date: 10/6/2015 11:50:00 AM

It works Miraj, well I hope it does, mine are just becoming teenagers. They may be harder to hug daily! I'm told they turn into monsters.

Jan Allison

Date: 10/6/2015 4:22:00 AM

an inspiring write Mark I agree with it 100% - if all parents followed these guidelines it would be so so wonderful but in reality seeing some of the very emotionally damaged kids I work with... life isn't that simple:-) hugs Jan xx 7

Mark Woods
Date: 10/6/2015 11:35:00 AM

Hugging them daily, and I saying I love you are the most important. I've got a friend that heads a major youth organisation, and he maintains if government spent more money on children the budget for the prison system would at least halve within 20 years.