(ThyBlackMan.com) My reflections on fatherhood and the responsibilities of being a parent as a father. It does not matter if the father is in the United States of America or if he is in his native land of Africa there is still a strong bond in being a father, if that man’s takes his responsibilities seriously.
1. Fathers, be consistently involved with your families. Consistency builds trust and confidence in your children because they know you will be there for them to protect them, teach them and guide them.
2. Fathers, tell your children you’re proud of them. Children need to hear this from their fathers or father figure.
3. Fathers, saying “I love you,” sends a powerful message from a father, children need emotional and mental security.
4. Fathers, saying “I’m proud of you,” builds self-confidence, self-awareness and self-worth.
5. Fathers, teach their children that respect is “earned.” Fathers teach what respect is and how to earn it, demonstrate by starting with a handshake NOT a fist bump or a “whats up dog,” or “whats up my nig***.”
6. Fathers, should not be scared to show emotions to their children. Emotional security is important and fathers need to show their children self-control and self-awareness of their emotions. 
7. Fathers, need to spend quality time with their children. Emotions do not equal weakness, its about stability, love and confidence. Time is more important than money.
8. Fathers, it is not about money, it is about time spent, time to build life long memories with your children.
9. Fathers, should be leaders in their families, communities and churches. Communities are declining because too many fathers are not involved and seen being involved in schools, church, community events.
10. Fathers, struggle with societal issues and expectations. That is normal, everyone struggles with something, and fathers still need their own mentors and role models choose well.
11. Fathers, God covers fathers as they cover their families. The blessings that fathers receive are not just for them, but for their children as well. Fathers pass down generational blessings and curses.
12. Fathers, should know who is setting an example for their children. Who are their role models and influencers? This is developed by spending time with them.
13. Fathers, fill a void and can stop generational curses by deciding to make changes in themselves and their decisions related to their families.
14. Fathers, even when fathers are not in their children’s lives their actions and behaviors are still poured into their lives. Your children has your DNA and RNA
DNA = A Daddy Nurturing Attitude = Altitude
RNA = Relationships Nurturing to Adulthood
15. Fathers that are not in their children’s lives create a “gap” in those children’s lives, a “gap in the bookshelves of life,” Chinua Achebe This gap can grow and create emotional controversies and learning challenges. Gaps can create PTSDI – Parental Time Stops Discipline Issues.
16. Fathers, need to be involved in schools to set realistic and transformative answers to why education is important. Education has to be relevant and empowering. Just telling a child they have to go to school because they are told does not work. They have to envision success and relevancy.
17. Fathers, communicate with each other, develop a brotherly language that is encouraging and nurturing to each other and your children. Develop a brotherhood with positive, productive and involved fathers.
18. Fathers, establish a strong prayer life and bible study within your home. Start early with your children so they have a good foundation to beginning their lives with a strong understanding of why worship and prayer are important.
19. Fathers, teach your children to choose their friends wisely. Everyone cannot be allowed in your circle of friends, just like everyone cannot come into your home. Everyone cannot share your dreams and aspirations.
20. Fathers, never let another man or woman interfere in your marriage and relationship with your children. At the end of the day you’re the father and important to your children.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.