Fatherhood
The King Dad
Strong and protective, but learning to be gentle.
King dads bring strength, protection, and clear direction to their families. Kids know where they stand, feel safe under their protection, and learn to be decisive and confident. Kings create structure and enforce boundaries. But the same intensity that provides security can also intimidate, control, and push kids away if not balanced with tenderness and patience.
Your kids need your strength. They also need your softness.
King Dad Strengths
- Protective: Kids feel safe and secure
- Clear: Provides structure and expectations
- Confident: Models decisiveness and courage
- Challenging: Pushes kids toward their potential
- Present in crisis: Steps up when things get hard
Your kids don't need you to run the family like a company. They need a father who is strong enough to be gentle, confident enough to admit mistakes, and powerful enough to get on the floor and play.
King Dad Challenges
Too intense: Overwhelming kids with force of personality.
Impatient: Frustrated when kids don't measure up.
Controlling: Making decisions for kids who need to learn.
Emotionally distant: Strong on discipline, weak on connection.
Critical: High standards without enough encouragement.
Your Action Steps
This week: Get on the floor and play with your kids on their terms.
This month: Let your kids make a decision you'd normally make for them.
This quarter: Ask your kids: "Do you feel safe with me? Do you feel loved?"