Football pros are teaching dads how to be better fathers

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Photo Credit: Getty Images

While I'm no longer an avid pro football fan, I do follow my hometown team, the 49ers, mostly because I dig their head coach, Mike Singletary. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy and he is always on fire during press conferences. (Here's the one made me a believer.) The man has seven kids and I'd love to know how his coaching skills apply to parenting, but dads may be able to find out since Singletary is on the "roster" of parenting organization for fathers called All Pro Dad.

All Pro Dad was created several years ago by Family First to help dads become better parents. According to one dad who helped organize a local chapter in Ohio, the goal of the group is for dads to "follow 10 the principles of being pro dads," which include loving your wife, spending time with your kids, being a role model, showing affection and eating together as a family.

My favorite principle listed in this article is to "discipline with a gentle spirit." What a wonderful concept. In the midst of doling out punishments, it's sometimes difficult to remember to be gentle. So I'm adding this to Shine's list ways dads and moms become better parents.

More than 54 NFL spokesmen are members All Pro Dad and participate in the regional events. Any dad can start a local chapter, which hosts an All Pro Dad's Day one Saturday each month for all the dads and their kids to meet over breakfast. Cute!

The All Pro Dad site has several resources for fathers, but my favorite is the Play of the Day, a simple tip that can be about anything from parenting to fostering a better relationship with your partner. Dads can sign up to receive the Play of the Day via email. Such an easy way to receive those reminders that every parent needs to hear.