While some dads are deadbeats and some mothers truly do an amazing job raising kids on their own, the lasting effects of a great father cannot be underestimated. I should know, because my dad is amazing. I say this neither to boast nor to gush, but rather because, in both my personal and professional opinion, he's got this dad thing pretty much figured out. Allow me to share seven fatherhood lessons that I learned from him (along with a few of my own thoughts).
1. Be a good man. Recognize the importance of your example. Your kids will do what you do, not what you say.
2. Love (and/or respect) their mother. This could be a whole post in and of itself, but to be brief: if you're still with the mother of your children, don't be ashamed to love her the most and put her first.