Happy Father's Day- Qualities of A Good Father

This posting is about Father's Day celebrated in the US tomorrow.  I often wonder if my children think of me as a good Father. However, based on my readings ( see article below), I believe I am.

I have my imperfections, but Macrine (RIP) and I have tried to raise them to be good citizens and be successful in their chosen field of profession and career.     

The qualities of a good father go far beyond simply providing for a family—they include emotional, moral, and psychological dimensions that shape a child's development and a family's well-being. Here are the essential qualities of a good father:

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1. Loving and Affectionate

• Expresses love openly through words and actions.

• Provides emotional warmth, hugs, and encouragement.

• Makes his children feel valued and secure.

2. Present and Involved

• Actively participates in his children's lives—school, hobbies, daily routines.

• Makes time even amidst a busy schedule.

• Listens attentively and engages in meaningful conversations.

3. Supportive and Encouraging

• Celebrates their successes and encourages them in their failures.

• Builds confidence by being a constant cheerleader.

• Offers guidance without harsh judgment.

4. A Good Role Model

• Practices integrity, honesty, kindness, and responsibility.

• Lives out the values he wants his children to emulate.

• Treats others with respect, including their mother and elders.

5. Sets Boundaries with Compassion

• Establishes clear rules and expectations.

• Disciplines fairly, with love—not out of anger or control.

• Teaches right from wrong while preserving the child's dignity.

6. Communicative and Honest

• Keeps open lines of communication.

• Shares his own experiences, values, and beliefs in age-appropriate ways.

• Encourages his children to speak freely and honestly.

7. Emotionally Intelligent

• Recognizes and manages his own emotions well.

• Validates his children’s feelings and helps them process emotions.

• Creates a safe emotional environment.

8. Respectful and Trustworthy

• Honors his commitments and keeps promises.

• Gains his children’s trust through consistent actions.

• Shows respect for their individuality and choices as they grow.

9. Provides Stability and Security

• Offers a sense of physical and emotional safety.

• Is dependable—someone the family can count on in hard times.

• Works to create a stable, nurturing home.

10. Encourages Faith or a Moral Compass

• Nurtures spiritual or ethical values through example and gentle instruction.

• Encourages reflection on purpose, service, and compassion.

• May pray with or for his children and model humility.

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A good father doesn’t have to be perfect—but he strives to grow alongside his children. Even small, consistent efforts at love, presence, and honesty leave a lifelong impact.

💬 Final Thought: A Legacy of Love

No father is perfect—but the good ones try. And in their trying, they leave behind a legacy far greater than any inheritance: love, presence, and a life worth following.

This Father’s Day, let’s honor the dads, grandfathers, father-figures, and mentors who have shaped us with their quiet strength. If you’re a father yourself, may you be reminded that your presence matters more than you know.

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A Father’s Day Reflection by David B. Katague

As Father’s Day draws near, I find myself reflecting not only on the general qualities of a good father, but on the life and legacy of my own father—Dr. David J. Katague, of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines.

He was more than a Dentist. He was a quiet, steadfast presence who raised seven children with my mother, Mrs. Paz Barrido Balleza Katague. As their eldest child, I witnessed firsthand the many ways he shaped our lives not just through words, but through example.

Final Thought: A Legacy That Endures

My father passed on more than his name. He passed on a way of being—a moral compass, a love for knowledge, and a sense of responsibility for those around us.

This Father’s Day, I honor him and all the fathers—grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors—who embody these timeless qualities. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good father. You just have to show up, stay grounded in love, and lead by example.

To all the fathers out there: Your quiet strength makes a world of difference.

Meanwhile, Food for Thought for the Day: Strength isn’t just about physical power—it’s about resilience, character, and the ability to stand firm when life gets tough. As men, we are called to lead by example, to carry the weight of our responsibilities with grace, and to be unwavering in the face of adversity. True strength lies in how we protect, uplift, and support those around us. It's a reminder that our actions, our courage, and our strength shape not only our own lives but the lives of those who look to us. Be the example of strength that the world needs.

Lastly, Did you know that.....? 

In 1884, Filipino painter Juan Luna made history when his masterpiece "Spoliarium" won the gold medal at the prestigious Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid.

He bested 40 entries from European masters, becoming the first Asian to win in that event. The painting, with its haunting portrayal of fallen gladiators, also symbolized the oppression of Filipinos under colonial rule — making it both artistic and political.