You are really important DAD!

Fatherlessness is changing the shape of our society! It is devastating to see the negative impact absent fathers have on both individuals and society.  Studies has shown the affects of emotionally unavailable fathers were almost identical to those where the father was physically absent.

I get the chills every time I coach teenagers to find they just don't care. They are heading nowhere. They don't have a Life Plan. In most cases teenagers raised in a father absent environment demonstrates signs of depression and anxiety. Scary to say the least. They don't feel or have the need to socialize and therefore they escape and find what they need on their phones. I believe absent fathers contribute to this fact.

I might be wrong about the next assumption, but I get the feeling that there is a substantial increase of substance abuse. I make this assumption based on the conversations I have with parents and teachers and believe the problem is bigger than we think it is.  With the increase of absent fathers the pressure on teachers to help save our society are on a tipping point of disaster.

It is important to over-estimate the importance of a dad.

Fathers are massively important in helping our children have good self-esteem and a sense of well-being. Involved and supportive fathers also help develop value driven children who have a strong inner core resource with good social skills and an authentic approach to life.

We need ROLE MODEL DADS!!!

We learn best from modeling behaviour.  The interaction with young children has an positive effect on how they feel about themselves and how they develop. Children are vulnerable to a father's modeling behaviour and build their character around what they see and experience in their early developing stages.

Having that said, IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO START BEING A ROLE MODEL DAD.

The future is in your hands Dad. You can ground your children for substance abuse or being on their phones every second they get. That's not the problem and therefor the focus should be elsewhere.

How do you get control back, be proud of your child and feel fulfilled of the contribution you've made to bringing up a successful child with a LIFE PLAN.

Here's some tips:
1. Have a positive attitude towards your roles
2. Listen and ask question to understand
3. Respect your child's point of view and focus on the positives
4. Set some family goals - all input equal
5. Admit your mistakes
6. Use your problem-solving skills - Have patience
7. Eat together as a family
8. Play with you children
9. Say "No"when needed
10. Walk the talk - Earn the right to be heard

and remember.......LOVE CONQUERS ALL! Soon you will see your child's phone just lying around and they seeking eye contact with you. Best of luck. You can do this.

Contact me if you find the above tips challenging. I can help you get unstuck.

Best wishes
Emile Neethling