Are you a cool dad? Well the definition of cool has changed a lot over the last 20 years. When we were kids Fonzie was cool. Han Solo was cool. Snoopy was Joe Cool. But how many of us out there thought our Dad was cool? I certainly didn’t think mine was cool, but then again my dad wore a pocket protector. Anyway, my point is this; Cool is a point of view and now matter how cool you think you are, will your kid ever think you’re cool?

Definition of cool: Slang.–great; fine; excellent: a real cool comic.

What is cool in your opinion? Are you the– “Chic Geek”, the “Biker Dad”, “The Athletic Dad”, “Corporate Dad”, “Sportsman Dad”, ” Farmer Dad”, “Sales Dad”, Science Dad”, “Hipster/Tattoo Dad”, “Doctor Dad”, “Computer Geek Dad” ? And the list goes on and on and on. Anyway, I’ve compiled a dun list of some tips to be a cool dad and break down the stereotypes.

1. The first and most important step to being a super cool dad is to spend time with your child. Now this means “quality time”, not just being in the same room watching TV together. A cool dad interacts with his child, one on one, having fun, sharing knowledge and showing affection. Try it for an allotted amount of time each day. It could be anything from reading to your child or drawing with he/she or just playing silly games. Just the fact that you’re together acting like a father, a leader and a teacher is most important.

2. Tell your child how much you love them–every day. Let your child know how important you are to them and show them that they are loved unconditionally–even when they are naughty. This is the epitome of being a cool dad.

3. Be a good role model and emulate good habits. If you don’t want your child to curse/swear, smoke cigarettes, drink soda, eat junk food or pick up any of your other bad habits, don’t do it in front of your kid! You are the ultimate role model and your child looks up to you and at every minor detail. They want to copy you, so practice good habits (at least while in front of your child.)–That’s being a cool dad.

4. The chivalrous dad is a cool dad. Be nice and affectionate with your wife. This is common sense, but will in essence, help your kid learn what a healthy relationship should look like. Being respectful to your wife demonstrates to the child to also be respectful to mommy–and other people.

5. Be a fun and crazy guy! Make funny faces, jump around, act like a silly fool, full of goofiness. Be a human jungle gym, let your child climb on you and laugh! Give your child piggy back rides, bounce him/her on your knee and let him/her ride on your shoulders. Make funny animal noises and wrestle with your kid. Have fun and get crazy…BE COOL

6. A cool dad doesn’t spoil his child. Buying your child’s love is no excuse for not being around. Be smart and don’t give your child everything they want but do give them everything they need. They might want an expensive toy that they don’t need or is so grand that it constitutes waiting for a big holiday gift. Or they may want you to feed them hamburgers and french fries for breakfast but you know that fresh fruit and some healthy cereal is a better start to the day. Don’t give in, Daddy knows best. Be tough about this or else you will raise a spoiled child who expects the world to hand them everything on a silver platter.

7. Don’t lose your “cool” in front of them. This goes hand in hand with number 3, being a good role model. When you yell at your wife, act like a big baby and or just plain out act like a jerk, your kid sees this. This is the ultimate “un-cool” action. Be nice to people in front of your kids.

Here’s a related story to #7: A few months ago my wife and two daughters and I were out to Breakfast. The restaurant was packed and the service was a bit slow and unorganized. But we were not letting it spoil our fun. However there were two men that sat next to us about halfway through the meal that were rude and obnoxious. This one man claimed he had been coming to this restaurant for 30 years and was being rude, abusive and cursing and just downright demeaning to this poor 20 something waitress. The waitress was horrified and he was yelling and just being such a douchemonkey to her. This jerk was sitting right behind my oldest daughter of 3.5 and his swearing, tone and his yelling was really bothering her. She started covering her ears and was almost ready to cry.

Then Popeye’s voice kicked in, “That’s alls I can stands and I can’t stands no more!” I finally stood up and said “Hey man, come on, I’m trying to have breakfast with my family, please don’t act like this to these people”. His friend immediately said, “mind your own business.” And I said to him, “no dude, when you threaten this women and you swear around my daughter THIS IS my problem. Your buddy is rude and crude and you shouldn’t treat people like this.”

The man that was being a jerk then said “Ya know what he’s right, I’m a dad, I get it, I’m wrong, I’m sorry, let’s go.” And they got up and left.

My daughter was amazed that I did that. She saw what they were doing to that waitress and she felt like her dad saved the girl. It was an awesome feeling. So don’t be that guy, cursing at the waitress and being a dick. Be cool! Treat people with respect and your child will respect you.

So all in all, the goal is to be cool and your coolness will be rewarded with lots of love.

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