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In many circumstances it is common for children from divorced parents to spend more time with one parent than the other. And usually it is the father that they see less of than the mother. With these custody arrangements it becomes difficult for fathers to reinforce disciplinary actions towards their children when they have the chance to spend the time together. But regardless of the infrequency of the children’s visits, a father must offer discipline along with guidance and support. Your job as a father whether divorced or not, should always be to exhibit the best of behaviors: respectfulness, patience, obedience…etc. and with time they will come to absorb those behaviors from you. And while disciplining your children is not fun and a difficult task to do, it is necessary and a vital role in their development to understand those key behaviors. And it is also an important role for parenting. Part of the role as a father involves communication, whether it is in communicating the “Rules of the House” or just asking them how their day went. With communication being a part of your interactions to your children it will spawn a healthy and respectful relationship with one another. There will be times when your children moan and groan about your “House Rules”, but it is important to be firm and understanding as well. After all you are their parent. Teach them responsibility and decision-making with ground rules and structure. Consistency is key here. As a father, your goal is to be there with your children any moment you can. Support them, love them, and be THE example for them to follow you. Don’t get too wrapped up in structure and discipline, have fun with them too! Talk to them, spend time with them, show them the world around them and be a part of their world. Try and stay in touch with them through the phone or the Internet via, Facebook or other social media. Being a Father not only means being their best friend and being fun, they have other friends for that. Be their Father, because no one else will and can be that for them. Be available when they need you and when it seems like they don’t, be caring, and sometimes a disciplinarian. Your children will forever be your children no matter how much you see them. As an author and a father, Shaun Patsy has worked in the Family & Affairs industry for over 15 years and has helped many families cope with difficult situations. For more info on post-divorce issues check out, www.negotiateddivorce.com
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