1. Give your children time. Tell me what you spend your time doing and I'll tell you what you love. Make a plan for games, outings, meals, etc., and separate time in your agenda to dedicate yourself solely and exclusively to your children; they will never forget those moments.
2. Do not hide your affection. Many of us Latinos grew up in a culture where it was not customary for the father to show affection or participate in raising children, but feeling affection, acceptance, and security from a father helps children develop good self-esteem.
3. Create an environment of love and respect. In addition to loving your children and spending time with them, it's important that they see that you respect their mother, whether you and she are together or not. This will give children the security and stability they need to thrive.
4. Take advantage of every opportunity. Turn meal times, housework, schoolwork, car trips, and any situation into one more opportunity to share and teach your children values such as love of work, being grateful, honesty, service, teamwork, recycling, etc. Make it fun!
5. Communicate in a positive way. Encourage your children to always give their best and highlight their skills and virtues. They need your appreciation and encouragement. Listen to your children; knows their stories, their interests, and their fears; let them know they can trust you.
6. Read with your children. Teach them the love of reading from a very young age. Reading is one of the best ways to ensure that they have a successful life. Once they enter school, help them with their homework; share with them the joy of constantly knowing and learning.
7. Discipline them with love and patience. Put clear rules, fair and reasonable. Remember that the goal is for children to develop good behavior and character. Don't let anger dominate you; if necessary, take time to think and discuss with your partner the best way of correction that will help the children understand the lesson and improve.
8. Teach them by your example. Your actions speak louder than your words. Your children will imitate your behavior whether you want it or not. You're consistent with what you say and do. Show yourself honestly to them as a human being with virtues and defects and you will see that they will also learn to trust you and always be honest.
9. Don't overprotect them. let them live It is important that your children know that your love for them is unconditional and that they can count on you in any circumstance, but they also need to understand that their actions have consequences and that their decisions, good or bad, will determine their destiny.
10. Create memories, save them, and share them with them. The moments that you are living today with your children are the history of your family and they pass so quickly. Do not let them escape from you! Take photos, record videos, and write them a letter or card on those special occasions. Sharing these memories will help remind them of where they came from and guide them to where they are going in life.