THE fourth tip in the 31 days to becoming a better dad is to protect your children.

Protecting your children doesn't just mean putting a roof over their head to shield them from the elements. It includes helping them steer clear of harmful relationships, helping them understand the dangers of drugs and alcohol, being aware of harmful toys and taking appropriate action when you are aware of these dangers. It also means preparing them to make their own decisions when dangers face them when they are on their own.

Your children will always be your children - parenting is a life long job. Even as adults we may not be aware of some of the dangers in life because we were not properly prepared. For example, growing up in an alcoholic home, I abused alcohol for some years of my life because I was not properly prepared to see alcohol as a dangerous thing. I was led to believe drinking a lot was a normal part of life and it cost me and my family in many ways.

By no means do I think it's a good thing to be an over-protective parent, but you have to be aware of the things going in their life so you can help them make sound decisions, not just for now, but for life.

"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."
- Dr. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) Father of Psychology

DAD TALK

* Did you feel protected as a child?
* In what ways do you protect your children?
* What things do you see in the future as possibly being a danger to your children?

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