Shari B. Kaplan, LCSWIntegrative Mental Health

What Makes an Amazing Father? #FathersDay

22 Jun 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:12

In this brief YouTube monologue, licensed clinical social worker Shari B. Kaplan outlines the core qualities that define an amazing father. She emphasizes that an exceptional dad actively teaches his child essential life skills—independence, relationship building, and community participation. Kaplan highlights the importance of dedicating focused, quality time through collaborative activities (e.g., meals, beach outings, walks) that convey secure, loving connection and a sense of belonging. She stresses that becoming an amazing father is a continual learning process, encouraging all fathers to keep showing up and inspire other men with their example, especially around Father’s Day.

Chapters

What makes a father an amazing father? An amazing father wakes up every morning and teaches their child how to navigate life on planet Earth, what you need in order to be independent, what, what skills you need, what relationships you need, how to relationship build, how to be a part of a community. And the fathers that I know who are really amazing, they really take the time with their families, whatever the time they have, whether it's just dinner time and after, whether whether it's a day or two on the weekends, they dedicate their time with their eye contact, with their focus, with a parallel activity like going to the beach, being in the pool, going for a walk, anything that is a collaborative activity that shows, I am a secure, loving connection. You belong here and you are worthy. And it's never too late to learn how to be an amazing dad. I am fortunate to know so many. So to all of you out there, I hope you had amazing Father's Day, and please keep showing up for all the other men on the planet so they can be inspired by your great work as a dad.