What makes a great dad?

Recently, as I think I've mentioned, my husband and I have been putting everything in our life into perspective. A lot of conversation have, of course, revolved around our daughter. My husband is totally devoted to her. It got me thinking. I hear so many stories of "dead beat dads". My husband works with one who sees his 5 year old son once a month because "his x does a good job". Clearly this is NOT a good dad. What does makes a good dad?

Is it simply being there? Is it bringing in money? Is it building all the new bits and pieces that come with children?

To me a good Dad is...well my husband!

Brent took to being a father like a duck to water. I remember him being nervous about this little person who would soon be in our care. I remember the conversations he had with my father that built his confidence. He didn't need to worry. Brent changed Amelia's first diaper like a pro. He held her just right. He got involved with everything from day 1. Her baths, diapers, and he was the EXPERT at sorting her colic problems.
Now that she is 15 months he makes her laugh, plays with her, teaches her how to head bang to rock music :) He gets her up every morning so I have a few minutes alone before he's gone for the rest of her day. *major points for this*

Of course he's not perfect, though in my opinion he's pretty close. There have been more than a few occasions where I've walked in saying "what is she wearing?!" "Brush her hair!" Besides those few cosmetic incidences what I think makes him a great dad is he NEVER stops trying to improve his daddy skills. He wants to learn how to tie her hair in pig-tails now that she has enough to do so! He wants to be there for her in every way. He wants only the best for her. I know a lot of dads SAY this but the difference is Brent would do ANYTHING for Amelia and I adore him for it. I love that he has gotten over problems in his past for her. I love how he will improve anything he can for her. I can't express enough what he has done and wants to do all for her.

So my top 5 good dad tips are;

Don't be shy-
With toddlers, comes silliness. The more foolish you are the more they giggle. Don't be worried about looking like an idiot in the park. Most people will admire how great you are with your child not make fun of you. Even if someone makes fun, look at your toddler's face and you won't care.

Laugh-
You WILL get pee'd on. You WILL end up with poop on you. There WILL be a smell of vomit on your shirt even if you can't find the stain. All you can do is laugh at it. At the end of the day it's harmless.

Be supportive-
Please note; for the first few weeks after your child is born, if you criticize your wife/girlfriend the response, 9 out of 10 times will be, "well excuse me I did just have a PERSON come out of me!" You have been warned :D

Bond-
Get to know your child. As a stay at home mom I know Amelia better than Brent, but he makes sure to learn the things I pick up. A dad is always needed. I still adore my dad and he has taken on my husband too and is the centre for advice. He's a dictionary with arms! We'll never ask anyone but him for advice again. Great dads can make this great bond.

Understand-
This one came from my husband himself.
Don't get stressed out with them. They are children. They are learning. Walk out of the room if your stress levels rise too much. Don't shout at them, don't scare them. Understand that they don't "mean" to annoy you.