The Kind of Dad I want to be

Hi Today is 21-April-2022 i.e., exactly 19 months and 9 days after I became a father. I m still over the moon when I hear my son Aarav calls me "Appa" and it sets off the adrenaline in me to entertain him as much as I possibly can. Over the past few weeks, I have been contemplating to write a post to jot down what kind of dad do I want to grow up into. I hope the below points serve me as a reminder or a guiding compass when things become rough (as they always gets in life ). 

1. I intend to grow into a father who ensures the human values are drilled into the kids and oversee that they understand the importance and practice it in their daily lives. while the list of human values are vast - some of the major ones - humility, treating everyone with respect, valuing relationships over materialistic things, always lead life a life of dignity, treat elders with love and affection, never hurt any organism, Be a vegetarian for life, Lead a life worth living, Be a benchmark of kindness, goodness...

2. My dream for my kids is to make them become "Good human beings" with universal values.

3. I intend to never physically hurt or yell at my kids over any of my frustrations or frustrations brought about by kids behaviors. I must remind myself to not become a father who supports and pampers their kids even when they are not on the right path. (As a reminder to myself - I intend to renew a vow on every mahaveer jayanthi to ensure this happens)

4. I wish they could learn the lessons i got to learn from the parents about the value of money, relationships, spirituality. Although the circumstances have changed, i wish i could make them understand the lessons without them having to traverse the same path/circumstances as i did.

5. I wish to become a source of strength and support in their life. I wish to offer them unconditional support and love till my last breadth. (like my parents are to me)

6. I wish to be their "biggest fan" forever. (Like my parents are to me)

7. I wish to make them learn discipline, good behavior without having to be angry.

8. I wish to be their friend in studies, take my time out to ensure my kids become best at what they want to excel. (Although, its my dream to see them become important persons in society like  - IAS, Doctors etc., I do not want to impose any of my dreams on my kids)

9. I wish to pursue a financial plan to enable my kids to have the freedom to choose education, a career (and pace) of their choice without having to think/worry about finances.

10. I wish to submit my ego, desires, self-righteousness in front of my kids to enable them grow into individuals that i (and in turn they) can be proud of.