(ThyBlackMan.com) Fathers, as the school year comes to a close continue to teach your children to apply what they learned in school
so they can make learning relevant. Help them to apply the academic lessons to think for themselves and make personal
choices that are positive. Even if their friends are opposite and oppose them, one mistake can ruin and change a life for a life time.
Fathers, teach your children to be accountable and responsible, teach them to be independent thinkers and understand how important their dreams are. There are many lessons to learn
so be patient and purposeful, be aware that sometimes your children think different than you do and react different depending on the situation and the stress.
Not all children learn to tie their shoes at the same time, not all children stop sucking their fingers at the same time. Patience, purpose and prayer do work even in the 21st century. 
Your presence as a parent, father guardian, mentor and prayer do matter. Never forget that your children look to youfor guidance even if they do not say anything. Actions speak louder than words, so guard not just your mouth, but your actions and interactions in the community.
Some personal observations as a parent…….
1. Fathers don’t allow yourself and your children to grow stale or stagnant, always embrace learning opportunities. Attend community, civic and even political events to teach your children civic duty and community activism.
2. Fathers teach your children to stay away from people who hate on others, gossip, conspire against, plot and plan to embarrass or even destroy. Those that hate on others often have low self esteem and unhappy emotionally.
3. Fathers teach your children that sex is not a conquest or a quick one sided pleasure. There are consequences and reactions to having multiple sexual partners.
4. Father teach your children that sex is not a tool to get what you want in life. That the mind and emotions are changed forever when involved in sexual encounters with multiple people. Not everyone is emotionally ready for sex at the same time.
5. Fathers teach your children what comes out of their mouths defines them and Brands them. The mouth can speak life or death.
6. Fathers teach your daughters they don’t need a sugar daddy, pimp daddy or friend with benefits to make it in life. Teach them early that they are smart, creative, innovative and brilliant.
7. Fathers teach your sons and daughters that before they get into someone’s bed, be sure to get into their head. They must have some common grounds for growth and life. There is a personal responsibility when having sex and not building a relationship.
8. Fathers teach your sons not to use women for sex, drugs, money or create illegitimate children that they have no plans to support and love. The children created will grow to be angry, uncertain about who they are and where in life they are going.
9. Fathers teach your children how to love, how to respect and the value of morals and values. Teach your children the empowerment of education not just in the classroom, but to be life-long learners.
10. Fathers teach your children the dangers of “playing” with
drugs and alcohol. Not everyone can tolerate getting drunk and getting high.
11. Fathers show up at your children’s school several times a year, show them better than you can tell them you value their education, respect teachers, eating lunch with them and going on field trips.
12. Fathers if “Lives Matter” they should learn that from birth and through your involvement and actions.
13. Fathers teach your children about the true meaning of hate, racism, bigotry, prejudice and bias. Do not sugarcoat it. Raise your child to be a benefit to society not a danger or future media sacrifice.
14. Fathers teach your children they will not stay children forever, as they grow to enjoy life and living. To learn skills that build their character and value for life.
15. Fathers watch the news with your children and explain events around the world. Get them to talk about what they think and feel.
16. Fathers even if your not in the home plan to make time and make time to plan what your doing.
17. Fathers even if you start with 10.00 start a bank account for your child. Teach them to invest in themselves.
18. Fathers create a mindset of growth and progress. Show your kids that you have dreams and aspirations beyond where you are now. No matter your past you’re reaching for a better life.
19. Fathers the future is not predictable, but have a plan for the future for your kids. Start a college fund or a business fund. Put money aside even if it is 5.00 per month because your children will need to continue their education past high school.
20. Fathers visit a doctor if not regularly, occasionally. Be proactive in your health because not knowing if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other life challenges may create burdens on your family. Medical issues can keep you from being the dad you want to be and the dad your kids need you to be.
21. Fathers reflect on the hard lessons you learned and share them with you children. Teach them that lessons can help them to grow even if they struggle.
22. Fathers teach your children that struggles and challenges are a part of life and that they can survive and grow from them.
23. Fathers teach your children the value of prayer, why prayer is helpful. Guide their learning in ministry not just attending church.
24. Fathers join a support group, mentoring group for yourself.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
