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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.

Copyright © Mark Woods | Year Posted 2015

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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!! Login to Reply

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). Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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.