My father would say, “If you have to use more than 16 words, you’re wasting my time…” So I decided to use that as a guide for fatherly advice. Father to father.

  1. Never call your son “honey”. Use “buddy”. It’s more masculine than honey while still showing affection.
  2. Never let your child hear your voice when they are playing organized team sports. Never.
  3. Your kids can sort out most arguments they will have in the backyard. Let them.
  4. Insist your kids use “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, then last names of adults in their lives.
  5. “Move along” works great when you need adult time. It’s strong without being too harsh.
  6. Family meetings are essential. Start with scripture, fill with honesty, and then end with laughter.
  7. Kids love floors. Furniture is for adults. To connect with kids, get on the floor.
  8. Be the boss. Not bossy. The boss. Never let your kids think they’re in charge.
  9. When kids are young, say “no” once in awhile, just for the sake of it.
  10. Let your kids see you kiss and hug their mother. It matters and they’re watching.
  11. Have “quiet hour” once a day. No electronics, no noise. Homework or book reading only.
  12. Be willing to “turn the car around”. Kids need to know your threats are serious.
  13. Make games out of ordinary things. Restaurant saltshakers and straws are great examples of this.
  14. Eat dinner often as a family. Anything less than 4 times per week is careless.
  15. What you’d give up with one income vs what they give up now? No contest.
  16. Your 10 year old simply does not need a cell phone. Period, end of story.
  17. Kiss your sons and daughters. Hug them tightly and often. It makes a huge difference.
  18. If your kids are screaming, go opposite and whisper. Screaming back at them doesn’t work.