DATE: Friday, August 1, 1997                TAG: 9707310567

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Education 

                                            LENGTH:   36 lines

QUICK TIPS

Suggestions on how to be a better father:

Respect your children's mother: If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you're not married it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children. A father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for them.

Spend time with your children. If you always seem too busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children.

Earn the right to be heard:

All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong. That's why so many children cringe when their mother says, ``Your father wants to talk with you.'' Begin talking with your kids when they are very young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle as they get older.

Discipline with love: All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior.

Be a role model: Fathers are role models to their kids, whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility. MEMO: Source: Virginia Department of Health, and Virginia Department of

Social Services

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