How to be the Perfect Father in 7 Easy Steps

Focus: The best way to be a perfect father is to learn from the only perfect father.

A. Most fathers are FAR FROM perfect.
B. A perfect father is...
1. PATIENT
2. GODLY - I Corinthians 11:1
3. LOVING
4. PRESENT
C. Point your children to the only PERFECT FATHER!

I want to do this! What's This?

Parenting is the most important job we can have--as a father, you're shaping a life. Though some people think there are certain personality traits and requirements that make one an ideal parent, some feel the quest to be altogether perfect is an unrealistic endeavor. Regardless, striving to get to the "perfect" level is admirable, and learning an approach to fathering that best benefits you and your children is a near-perfect answer to your quest.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Be yourself. Some have an image of the type of father to be, or not to be. It may come from examples set for us personally, or how we were handled as children. Either way, to each of us, there is a parenting ideal, but it is important to have a parenting style unique to you. If you try to be someone you aren't, are your children really benefiting?
   
2. Step 2
   Learn about your children. Take time to get to know what makes them unique. What traits to they share with you, or their mother? What are their favorite activities, their fears and dreams? The more you can learn about your children, the more connected you'll be.
   
3. Step 3
   Accept the fact that you will make mistakes. Being a perfect father doesn't mean failing to have faults. In fact, mistakes made along the way turn to lessons learned, which will likely make you an even better parent.
   
4. Step 4
   Separate work and home. Leave work at work and when you're at home, make your family and other personal interests your focus. Balance is key.
   
5. Step 5
   Respect your children's mother. Showing children your love and level of respect for her will teach them valuable lessons about relationships.
   
6. Step 6
   Don't look outside yourself to become the perfect father. Look inside to find what matters. What Joe down the street does as a parent doesn't apply to you. Your father, brother or best friend cannot supply a specific formula to lead you to perfection.
   
7. Step 7
   Observe your child or children. Is your child happy, healthy, relatively respectful, relatively kind? Do you have fun spending time with your children. If so, you are likely perfect enough.
   

Read more: How to Be the Perfect Father | eHow.com