Father's Responsibility – 30 Fundamental Rules of Life to Teach Your Son (Part 1 of 2) Ordinarily, a child is expected to grow up wi...
Father's
Responsibility – 30 Fundamental Rules of Life to Teach Your Son (Part 1 of 2)
Ordinarily, a child is expected to grow up with
both parents around. Nevertheless, because of other circumstances of life, the
case may not be so. But where a biological father (or stand-in father figure)
is around, you need to take ample time to teach your children the fundamental rules
of life. And in particular to your son, the following are the fundamental rules
that he must grow up well equipped on:
1. Never
shake a man’s hand sitting down. It doesn’t show the gentlemanship in you.
2. Don’t
enter a pool by the stairs. Leave
that for the girls and other young children. It may be construed as a sign of
weakness.
3. In
all things lead by example not explanation. That is the true mark of a real leader.
4. In a
negotiation, never make the first offer. It takes out the much needed control from your hands.
5.
Request the late check-out. It shows
that you are in control of your time and life, even to the comfort of those who
are moving with you.
6. When entrusted
with a secret, keep it. Don’t
lose people’s trust in you. Trust is worth much more than gold and silver.
7. Hold
your heroes to a higher standard. It inspires your followers to do the same even to you.
8. Return
a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. It gives you much more credibility. And tomorrow, even if you don’t
have money, people will be much more willing to help you.
9. Play
with passion or don’t play at all. Don’t fake your participation. You lose credibility if people find out
the truth.
10. When
shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye. It sends the positive signal that you value
your colleagues; and that you are fully conscious of their presence in your
vicinity.
11. Be
confident and humble at the same time. Confidence allows you to win battles even before you start. Humility builds
your fan base; and let them be the ones to blow your trumpet not yourself.
12. If
you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point. You have to understand the requirements of
every place and position where you are.
13. Carry
two handkerchiefs. The one in
your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.
14. You
marry the girl, you marry her family. Marriage has responsibilities that goes beyond the two of you.
15. Be
like a duck. Remain calm
on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath. Don’t be a public attraction
seeker. Just do business in the underground, and results will speak for you.
The article continues in Part 2.
May God help you raise sons that are responsible
to take over after you! May they grow up on great wisdom and understanding; and
be ready to perpetuate genuine fatherhood in their lives.
Tapiwa Zuze
