Dad 101

Establish a Relationship

Kenneth: I believe that one secret to success with your children is establishing a relationship with them when they're young - from the moment they're born. Too many fathers want to wait until their children are older. But it doesn't work that way.

When Craig was a baby, I got up with him every other night. Lynette and I took turns! On Saturdays I would get him up, feed and dress him, and then take him with me, wherever I had to go. I also took him to his first race when he was a baby, and I continued to do that as he got older. I did the same thing with my daughter, Denise. I helped her with her cheerleading and attended her ballet recitals. I was with my kids. I established a relationship with them.

Craig: I've had a lot of parents tell me they're having problems with their teens. They want to know why. The truth is, your kids are a reflection of you. A lot of things they learn, they learn at a young age by watching you. (I have three boys, and each one of them has some of my qualities!)

Although your kids might not admit it to you, you play a key role in their lives. That's why it's so important for us to spend as much time with our kids as we can when they're young. Establish the relationship early and it will help them - and you - later on.