"The moment I realized that I am soon to become a father, my heart pumped fast as it could."
A thousand thoughts popped out of my head. It was my first time to become a father and I have no any idea how to be one. I was worried how I can balance my time both with work and daddy duties. At the same time, what father would I be like, should I be strict, cool, or a happy go lucky one.
Every man who becomes a father for the first time has these thoughts running in their minds. The fear of uncertainties surely worry a lot.
Fatherhood is not an easy job. As the leader, provider and lover of the family, there are lots of responsibilities on his broad shoulders. He has to make sure that his family meets their basic needs, from clothing, to food, to shelter and pretty much everything. Being the head of the family, he has to provide direction. He has to be keen on his decisions and be as strong as possible. He needs to be the protector of the family and considers their security as top priority. But above all, a dad has to give undivided love to his wife and children.
Fatherly love is something that molds and influences their children to be the best version of themselves.
The guidance and love of a father is vital to their children’s success in the future. But how does a man with so much responsibilities balance everything?
But here’s the thing, when you enjoy the blessings of life, it should be spent with family that we love and treasure the most. Each of us only has 24 hrs a day. Therefore, we should not compromise our time that’s supposedly for the people we love. A wise man said, success in work and business can never compensate the failure of a family.
For fathers, understand these three major roles- you are the leader, lover and provider of the house. As a leader, you are accountable to making decisions that are best for your family. As a provider, it is your responsibility to put food on the table, give your kids the best education, and ensure that they are ready for an unforeseen circumstances in life. Finally as a lover, you are to give all the love and care, not only to your spouse but also to your kids. The best gift that you can give your children is to love their mother.

Road Trip
This could be something that everyone in the family can enjoy. Aside from the adventure and the scenery, this can also promote a better bond within the family. Of course, being the father, you are the captain of your ship.
Art and Related Stuffs
Join your children in their world full of imagination. Impart views in life through arts. Strengthen the bond between you and your children by trying to understand how they think and what they believe in.
Fishing
This could be a way to teach patience to your child and let them feel the fulfillment of getting something that they really deserve.
Sports
One way to promote discipline and health consciousness to your children. Enjoy doing sports together and develop team bond as father-son or father -daughter tandem.
These are just a few ways to spend time with your family and children. There are a lot more things out there that you can do as long as you are willing to spend time with them. Yes, it may be hard to balance everything as a father, but once you understand your priorities you will never ever have to compromise your time as you build a lifetime bond with your spouse and kids.
Kids spell L-O-V-E as T-I-M-E. When you do activities together, you build long lasting memories that they will treasure when they grow older. As the saying goes, “where your treasure is, there your heart maybe also”.

About The Author
Reynald is an Oleia user and content contributor. He is a dreamer by night, a storyteller by day.His stories are told through the click of his camera lens and the strokes of his pen.