Black men receive little information on what it takes to be a good parent. Fathers and their children have special needs and they need special information about parenting that is unique to the circumstances they face. Here are some tips:
- Be there when your children are born.
- Become financially literate. Teach your children that honest pays and trying to beat the system doesn't.
- Be selective about who meets your children. You are responsible for protecting your children from abuse.
- Love and discipline are both important. Your need to set standards for how your children behave.
- Introduce your children to the spiritual world. A solid religious background can help them in the future.
- Teach your children to be proud of being Black. Make them aware of Black history.
- Assume responsibility for your children's education. Be there to help them with their homework if they need it.
- Set academic standards before allowing your children to play sports. And if they dream of being a professional athlete, insist that they have a Plan B.
- Educate your children about racism. Don't allow your children to blame every problem they have on racism, but make sure they know racism still exists.
- Teach your children to respect adults. Good manners can carry a person very fair in life.
As important as it is for you to be there for your children, it is equally important for you to know when to let go and allow your children to stand on their own two feet.
