Qualities That Make My Dad A Good Father

Fathers play a vital role in the family home for the development of their children. Growing up with a fun loving and caring father was great for me and my siblings. His love, support, affection and love for our mother made us feel secure. His efforts and hard work meant that we were loved and cared for. Below are the qualities that make my dad a good dad.

Always Has Time for Us
When we were kids dad was always busy doing something around the house. He was quick to drop what he doing when we needed help, or when mum called him to do something. He was also a good listener and mended our wounds. When we were little he told bed time stories he’d make up on the spot in his head. Those stories allowed us to join in, to role play, and become the main characters. His attitude continues to be about leaving the door open for his kids no matter what they do or what happens in their lives.

Warm and Affectionate
Dad’s smile, laughter and warmth gave us all an environment worth coming home to. He was approachable and very affectionate. He had this funny way of showing he cared by stroking one side of our face from the top down and then giving us a loving smile. That stroke on the face happened when we were hurt. It was his version of, ‘She’ll be right mate.’

Knows How to Have Fun
Dad played board games and card games and he loved to play tennis and soccer.  He joined in the after school fun, when kids from the neighbourhood block played handball and dad was an ace at it. As an avid chess player he taught his children and grandchildren to play chess.  Visiting family friends and entertaining them in our family home with dads BBQ grills was fun and a huge part of family life.

A Sense of Humour
As a family we spent so much time laughing at silly things together we don’t remember the bad times. Even when we were sad, my father would find something to make us laugh out loud. He was so much fun when we were kids and he still has the same sense of humour. He taught us that life was about being busy, purposeful and that it was about being loving, which meant there’s always time for a good laugh.

Loves Our Mother
Dad would buy mum birthday gifts and on mother’s day he’d take us shopping to encourage us to love her in the same way by making her feel appreciated and loved. He helped her around the house and treated her well. He was all about being respectful and it was on the top of his list when addressing mum. Making us kids help around the house was his way of loving and supporting his hardworking wife and the mother of his children. He always commanded respect for her from us kids, even if we were upset. He always pointed out mum’s good qualities during those times. His stance on respect was the foundation and blueprint for relationships that we carry to this day.

Disciplined with Love
When dad disciplined us it arrived by way of a firm word with an explanation, and a rather long talk on the long-term effects of what we did.  He would express his disappointment without cursing our identity in anger.  Nor would he hit us, belittle us or call us names. Of course there were a few times when we took him to the edge.

Protection & Security
Dad was protective; he loved us fiercely and wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt us. He was stable in all he did making us feel loved and secure. He was a good provider by being hard working and resourceful. Though we weren’t rich, we lacked nothing. We were happy kids, and had a clear understanding that keeping the family together was important to him. We always knew where we stood with dad.

Fond Childhood Memories
Thinking back on a time when my father was busily painting my trike from a light blue to a striking red colour for my fourth birthday brings a smile to my face because I loved that bike. I remember racing up and down the open air patio with the overhanging grape vine and listening to the sound of my wheels whirring round and round. I could write about so many great memories I have of growing up with my wonderful father.

Faith
Although my dad wasn’t a Christian, I later discovered how he has so many Godly qualities. My father knew what it was like to grow up without his dad. However, he chose to rise above it with love and kindness that continues to hold our family together.  For that I am very grateful.

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”. Psalm 86:15

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip. Couns. (Christian)