The Best Dad in the World

You're the BEST DAD in the World Because... You're My Greatest Fan. Nothing has a better effect upon children than praise. SIR PHILIP SIDNEY I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged. 2 CORINTHIANS 7:4 Do you let your children know how proud you are of them? Sometimes as parents we can become so concerned with correcting bad behavior in our children that we tend to focus on the negative in our interactions with them, rarely talking to them about what they do right. Because sons naturally seek the approval of their fathers and daughters often gravitate toward men who respect them to the same level that their fathers do, it's vital to let your children know what it is you admire about them. When they bring home report cards, be sure you notice the good grades before talking about lower grades. Praise their successes at a sport or other activity they're interested in. And most important of all, point out moments when they display maturity, thoughtfulness toward others, and strength of character. Your affirming words will brighten their day and could change their tomorrow. A LETTER TO MY DAD Dear Dad, You've always been easy to pick out of a crowd. You were the one cheering loudest at my games, the one wiping tears off your cheeks at my recitals, the one standing tallest and clapping hardest at award ceremonies. As I was growing up, there was one thing I knew without any doubt -- my daddy was proud of me, and he loved me very much. Though I'm not in front of crowds much anymore, some things haven't changed. I can still see the pride in your eyes as you play with your grandchildren. You cheer me on still, even in the small responsibilities of everyday life. When I get discouraged or feel like I've failed in some area, there's still one thing I know for sure -- my daddy is proud of me, and he loves me very much. Thank you, Dad, for always being there to cheer me on. Love, Your Child The praises and compliments I received from my father are worth more to me than any others in the world. CHARLOTTE MAE Correction does much, but encouragement does more. JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE SUN-KISSED Carol Mcadoo Rehme My Celtic heritage evidenced itself in typical fashion: auburn hair, slate blue eyes, and fair skin. Freckles were a given. The dreaded dots spotted my legs, splashed my arms, speckled my face. And I despised them, each and every one, mostly because of the teasing that resulted. After a particularly bad day in fourth grade, I fl ew into Daddy's arms. "I h-hate them. I just hate them!" "Your friends?" "N-no, m-myfreckles.I wish I could erase them!" My sobs grew louder as Daddy rubbed my back. "You do? Why, that's silly, Torchie. I love your freckles," he said. "And one day you'll love them, too." "Love them?" "Love them," he promised. Daddy's work-rough hand smoothed back my matted bangs. "Those freckles simply show the places where you were kissed by the sun. See here?" His thick finger feathered the nutmeg sprinkles across my cheeks and nose. "One, two, three, four, fi ve..." My nose twitched at the tickles, and I giggled through my tears. Daddy nodded. "Yep. Kissed by the sun." He tweaked my nose. "From now on, you just tell everyone you were kissed by the sun. And tell them I said so." So I followed Daddy's inspired advice and did exactly that. What began as an excuse soon became a boast. The words "my daddy says" slipped freely from my lips, giving me a growing sense of validation. I loved holding this coveted new center of attention, almost bragging about my freckles. Or at least until the fi fth grade...when I got my fi rst boyfriend. "Where'd you get those freckles?" Jeffrey fl icked the curl at the end of my brick-red braid one day. "They're kinda cute." Although I blushed at the compliment, my answer bHoward Books Staff is the author of 'The Best Dad in the World', published 2008 under ISBN 9781416556503 and ISBN 1416556508.