As Father’s Day approaches, it’s traditional to give our fathers, grandfathers and other loved ones presents and let them know how much they are appreciated. But the flip side of Father’s Day is that there is always a need for more fathers, in the truest sense of the word. Foster dads, uncles and family friends often fill a great role when a child’s real father cannot or refuses to be present.

Those who haven’t been Dads yet, or good dads who are seeking to become “great” Dads, may do well to think upon the following 15 ways to be a good father:

• Being there for your child/children (even if

youre not in a relationship with their mom)

• Married/Unmarried Fathers  Respect your child’s mom

• Show your child/children Love

• Teach them to Love

• Protect them, keep them safe

• Supporting them, providing daily necessities and

giving them the opportunity to strive

• Give positive reinforcement

• Teach them limits

• Reward them

• Teach them to respect their elders

• Tuck them in at night and Read to them

• Spend quality time with your kids in an activity they

enjoy

• Be their dad and best friend

• Be patient, kind and understanding

• Show them unconditional love