Be the very best dad you can be

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Dad's day is here this weekend and families all across the country are making plans to honor their dads, grandfather, uncles and brothers. Here are a few tips to be the very best dad you can be.

Discipline with love

Fathers can still effectively discipline their children with a calm, yet stern, tone without yelling and screaming. You should never speak down to your children, saying things like "you are so stupid" or "you get on my nerves." The old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" couldn't be further from the truth.

The words you speak over your children will have a lasting impression for years to come. It may seem like a simple concept, but you'd be surprised how many adults I've counseled because of things their parents said to them decades ago.

Also avoid giving "the cold shoulder." If you need time to yourself, go away to fish, read or sit quietly so when you are with your children, you are fully present and give them your best.

Commit to dinner time

With long work days and varying kids' activity schedules, sitting down to have dinner together as a family almost seems to be a thing of the past. But even if you can't have dinner together every night, at least commit to dinner together a few times a week at the same time. This is a great time to go around the table and ask what the highlights of the day were and see if anyone has concerns. Make sure you set the example by initiating this time together. It's also a good time to listen and give advice.

Take time to read

If you still have young children, make sure you start reading to them early on. This is a great way to end your night, learn something new and have quiet time together. This is a nice way to step away from the world of electronics and TV and really develop their cognitive skills. If they always see you reading instead of watching TV, they will likely develop the same habit and carry it with them for the rest of their life.

Father's job never done

Often times dads give their toddler and preteen children more attention and then feel like they don't know how to relate to them as they get older. This is especially true for girls.

But remember your children still need you in their teen years and beyond. This is when talk time and making sure they feel loved and validated are the most critical.

There are so many things pulling at them in school and in the media. You want to always be the consistent voice affirming their value, talent and identity. Find something positive to compliment them on every day.