Character

Are you the parent that has to cut their shopping trip or restaurant visit short because your toddler embarrasses you with a temper tantrum? Have you ever had to give other parents a dirty look because they glare at you like you're a horrible parent because your child has no self-control?

We've all lived through the horror that was high school. We've experienced the acne, the showering in the locker room with the other guys, and getting rejected for dates by girls that we had the biggest crush on (well, not all of us have experienced that). All of that can wreak havoc on a guy's self-confidence

Young children almost never have a sense of self-awareness. That's why you've probably caught them running around in front of people without any clothes on. And they tend to find the most inappropriate times to show their shame, too. Have you ever had to leave church early because you took your eyes off your toddler for three seconds and the next thing you knew he was as naked as a jaybird?

The word "integrity" seems to be an abstract ideal in our society. Everybody has a different idea about what it actually means. Maybe that's because it's been a disappearing quality in recent generations. But as a parent, teaching your child how to act with integrity is vital for their development.

How many dads does it take to change a light bulb? We'll never know, because he'll lower the ceiling to install a new fixture, replumb the entire bathroom, redo all the wiring and install a new floor before he gets around to it.

How many times have you caught your child laughing or giggling at someone's misfortune? Does your child have a tendency to make fun of others who are fatter, skinnier, smarter, dumber or anything else that makes them different? Does your toddler think it's funny when they run up and punch you in the "boys" and then run away?

Have you ever given your child a gift only to have them respond with something like, "Is this it?" or "Where's the rest of it?" If so, you probably felt embarrassed for a second. But then you probably got mad at your child for their lack of manners and their lack of thankfulness.

Martin Luther King, Jesus Christ, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, and Nelson Mandela. These are some of our greatest heroes-not because they are smart, powerful, successful, interesting, or funny-but because they embody selflessness and generosity. Our society values generosity over all other traits, and, as parents, it should be one of our greatest goals.

You are trying to finish up an important business call and your son, with tears flowing down his face, is shrieking, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! APPPPLLLLEE JUUUICCCE NNNOOOWWW!!!!!!!" at the top of his lungs. In moments like these fathers often begin thinking the only successful parenting techniques must involve duct tape. But don't despair. Parents can and should teach their kids to be patient.