Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1512449
to grow up and be a real man if they were not taught by a real man. Girls will not know how to look for a man that will cherish, love, and respect them, if they don't have this same example growing up, from their father. Another important note: You are not supposed to be your kid's buddy… you are their dad. This doesn't mean that you can't hang out with your kid and have fun with them. It is important for parents to understand this distinction. When I was a kid, I mentioned to my dad that I wanted to be buddies with him like my friend was buddies with his dad. My dad quickly replied, "I'm your dad, I'm not your buddy." Although this might sound harsh to some of you, my dad was right, I didn't need a buddy, I needed a dad. My dad loved me, cared for me, told me he loved me, and spent tons of time with me. But he did this as my dad, not my buddy. 7. 7. Kids will mimic your behavior. Be careful how you carry yourself. Your kids will treat other people as you have treated them. They will handle life's problems how you handled life's problems. Fathers set the pace for their kids by being the example to follow. 8. 8. Don't listen to the negative advice other people give you about having kids. Most of the time it is not true, or accurate. If you properly discipline your kids, love them, respect them, praise them, and pray for them, they will grow up well rounded. 9. Tell your kids that you love them often. Tell them how proud you are of them. They won't know this if you don't tell them and show them. Tell your girls how beautiful and special they are to you and others. Build them up, especially around others. Be fair with them, yet firm in your convictions and dealings. 10. 10. Protect them at all times. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Know who your kids are hanging around with and be careful who is around them…especially overnight (my kids when younger, were never allowed to spend the night over someone else's house.) Call me paranoid; say that might be unreasonable and unfair to the kids, but nothing evil has happened to my kids. Statistics report that two out of five boys will be molested by the time they hit 18 and three out of five girls will be molested before the age of 18. Often times this happens from trusted individuals. Although this caution is never a guarantee, I am very protective over my kids. It is my job to carry them through the first 18 years of their life…. protecting them from the evil around. Be mindful of who is around your kids, at all times. I don't live my life paranoid; I live my life intentional. I have a challenge for you: Are you creating "Memory Miles" with your children? If you are, great…keep up the great work. If not, then start today. Make an intentional effort to spend quality time with each of your kids, either on a Harley, or walking by their side. The time goes by quickly, but these memories you create with them will last a lifetime.