Parents who are willing to share quality time with their children, knowing we all have but a short time to live. Parents who value their grown-up children, and are their friends, as well as parents. Parents who encourage their children to be able to discuss anything with them, regardless of what trouble they may be in.

Candybob: If you pride yourself in been a disciplinarian and your philosophy as a parent is 'spare the rod and spoil the child', you are walking on a deadly road!
Especially FATHERS, check out all the stories above, it is always easy to forget the animosity with the mothers because of earlier memories of love and intimacy built up during infancy, all those cuddling, rocking, soothing and breast-feeding makes the child identify the mom with loving qualities, even when she scolds he checks himself, maybe he has done wrong. But unfortunately for the Dads, you dont have this 'soft-landing' that will help absorb all the negative emotions that trying to instill discipline on the child brings, so he sees you as the wicked man who just like making him miserable, if you like preach the whole bible, it wont change that thought!
So please stop with 'The disciplinarian thing' and start been 'the loving Father'.

chyket: When I was young,I was very afraid of my Dad just like the poster but when I got married 11 years ago I made it a point of duty to ensure that my children are very free with me.I think I have made a success of it because my children tell me everything that is happening to them but they are scared of my wife.Nairalanders the best way to change a situation which you don't like is to address it head on when you have the opportunity.I am really enjoying my Fatherhood.I have three daughters and I will advise Fathers to ensure that they create an atmosphere where they become the first port of call when they have problems