5 Months: Fatherhood Guidelines

An article in the NYTimes today outlines how to be a father. Paraphrasing the bullets:

• Spend time with your kids
• Be there throughout their childhoods and beyond
• Balance discipline with fun
• As a role model, be a grown-up man

This is all pretty much common sense (I guess most parenting is), but it's still interesting. The thing I'm hoping will stick with me as I raise August day to day: reaching that right balance between fun and discipline. I could see myself veering too far in both directions, but I think I'm especially at risk for overemphasizing the "fun" part of being a dad. That's just as dangerous as being overly strict. Must keep perspective.