There are no tricks to being a good father; however, fatherhood is whatever you put into it. It comes without saying: all men have the potential to be and become great fathers, but not many succeed to an acceptable plateau. It has also been said that males are in general, busier than their female counterparts; but still, the truth remains, a schedule should not take precedence over spending quality time with your family. Corporate America will not tell you this, but family comes first, not the big job or highfalutin careers. Also, ever wonder why some kids grow up not knowing their fathers, or show resentment toward them, even though they share the same house?

1. First Things First: It is important that we distinguish the difference between house, and a home. A house is nothing more than a building or shelter, or a place where you live. On the other hand, a home is an environment that is designed to foster the enhancement of life and happiness of those within it. Also, a home is always conducive to growth, love, caring, and sharing. Is this you? Ask yourself: is there anything that I can do to be a better father to my child or children?

It's all about bonding, and the more you do it the better it gets; and the quicker you start the more effective you will be. Most men don't realize that fatherhood is a lifetime commitment to a child, not a role; and the early years are most vital, as do the teenage and early adulthood. You must first plan to be there through it all: your honor, respect, and life depends on it. First, do this for the mother of your child:Before the baby is born, massage her feet and rub her belly. This is vital to you both having a healthy child.

A stress and frequently fatigue mother transfers her emotional stresses to the child. Please, note, you will never quench all the fiery emotional-darts that will come at you; never! You will need a level head; so be strong and don't allow simple things to frustrate you. It is in your best interest to reduce the amount of stress she experience. But above all, the most important thing is to create the right environment that will alleviate any tension, discomforts, and improve all levels of support to her during this crucial time. And by limiting the negatives, you will find a happier, healthy mother who will be at her optimal best to nurture your child.

2. The Early Stages: Pray, read and talk to the baby as much as you can so (him/her) can know your voice. This also aide in building a deeper bond when communicating with the child as time goes by; as it will fly by really fast, in a blink!

3.Very Crucial: You must go into the labor room with her, stay, and do not pass out. If you do, you will have missed the best part of God's creation. Most women will not tell you, but they admire a man who is willing to go the EXTRA MILE, the long haul, through thick and thin, and the highs and lows just for her support. This she will never forget, regardless of how many times you mess up in the future, and there will be a lot of those!

4. The Process: Learn and love to read (for self-improvement and to acquire knowledge to protect your family).

5. More Process: Do not be afraid of poop, yes, poop! Remember, it is just processed food mixed with some additives and gastric juices to help in the digestion process. A little soap and water (H20) will clear that up quickly.

6. Voice Lessons: Show You Care...Sharpen your lullaby singing skills (it helps when putting them to sleep).

7. Be Responsive: Never wait to be told the following; we need: (diapers, formula, baby oil and power). Her requests should sound more like this: where did you put the stuff for the baby, honey? This is assuming that you've already gotten them. The more reliable you show yourself to be, the more secure she will feel; and the more secure the mother is, she transfers this to the child. In the end, you sir, have got a tightly secure family. Remember, it's not love that keeps a family together, is security as a result of love in motion. Hence, love is what you do! And if you do it well, your life will never be the same.

8. Keep a stash: Always keep an emergency stash of cash somewhere (only you should know).

9. Money Matters: Never ask your wife or the child's mother for money, only if you just have to--but you shouldn't because you always have emergency funds (EF) somewhere, Right? It doesn't matter if its only five dollars ($5), at least you are able to buy a gallon of milk. Just make sure you have something.

10. The Rewards: See yourself as a creator of things, people and ideas, not just a sperm donor; any man can do that. You are the most important being to your child and mother of. Assuming your responsibility is important; however, you must model for your child. He or she must see you in the light they hope to be or even better. Don't allow a cartoon figure to be his favorite person on earth. Never put anything before the most important aspect of their lives, and hope for the best, and for things to work themselves out.

Bottom line, they will not unless you make it work. Also, never be afraid to ask for help; we all need it at some point in our lives. There's is always an answer somewhere, somehow; just ask! Finally, in your pursuit to becoming a better father, do not forget, all things are possible to them who believe and work toward any desired goal. Your goal might be to spend more time with your son or daughter, or even, remember their birthdays, like Jack Nicholson in the movie "The Bucket List." It's a start. And who said you have to be perfect the first time around; no one! So why not start today? Be the hero of your family and not the zero.

Tips For The Road:
• No one parent is more important than the other; thus, never make this mistake by saying "mother is more important than father, or vise versa. Both parents are highly important in providing a great life for the offspring(s) and each other. You are a team; it takes four (4) letters to make this word, not one!
• Team up with other fathers whom have done it before you.
• Look for great examples of fathers you might want to emulate, but don't lose yourself in your search. Your family needs you, not some imaginary person.
• Fatherhood is not an overnight process; it takes time practice, dedication, and above all, perseverance.