Great Relationships

Tim Costello speaks about Fatherhood GDGD article

Great Relationships

Fresh inspiration for dads.

Welcome to the 100th post on the Good Dads GREAT DADS website. This is where fatherhood is celebrated and men are encouraged to be the greatest dads they can be for the sake of their children.

Then:

In July 2010, I sat down at my computer and put this blog site together on WordPress. I was stuck at home as a patient having a prolonged battle with Leukaemia. I had applied for a few jobs and continued to be beaten by the “other” guy.

I was unemployed, financially broke and dealing with medication and tiredness. The one thing I wanted to do was encourage other men in their relationship with their children. So I began to write. It was something I could do.

I am a dad. I have 3 grown boys. The, eldest at 24 has announced he is moving out this coming Wednesday. One son has already moved out and our youngest at 21, remains at home. I love being a dad.

I needed to learn how to be an effective dad because I wanted to give my boys the very best chance in life and for more selfish reasons, I wanted to build a close relationship with my children. One that I would hopefully get to enjoy for a lifetime.

This is something I wish I could have enjoyed with my own dad.

I desired to write of my experiences in a way that would encourage other dads (and anyone else that enjoyed what I had to say).

There are now visits to this site from over 106 countries and I am privileged to have been able to write a book on the subject which is selling in many countries as well.

I have been back in the workforce for over 2 years and am enjoying good health. (I still look forward to the day when I am clear of Leukaemia)

As I take a moment to think about having written 100 entries here, I am reminded why I continue to do it. Every dad needs encouragement to continue to be awesome in their children’s lives. The years we have our children in our care goes quickly and we need to make every day count.

Now.

I will never reach every dad with me my message, but I am very glad to have contributed into the lives of the ones I have connected with through this blog and through the book.

If you have been finding value and fresh inspiration from my blog then I am glad to have made that contribution and I will continue to do so.

Please take the time to scroll through the past blogs to see what subject grabs your attention.

My top 5 suggestions for building great relationships with your children.

1. Schedule regular one to one time with each child (eg dad and daughter date or father and son adventures)

2. Show an interest in whatever they are interested in (their various hobbies or sports).

3. Communicate your feelings to them. (Tell them why you are proud of them, how much you love them. This can be both verbal and written in a letter/card, preferably both).

4. Be a great role model for them in every area of life. You are their personal text book of how to behave, react and respond in every area of life.

5. Make it a priority to build great family memories. Family fun nights, overnight getaways, and family holidays are some great ways to create strong family memories.