I am the father of, I hope, three fairly well rounded teenagers. As a single father I have spent a great deal of time with them over the last eight years or so. It has been hard work at times but overall extremely rewarding and can say unequivically that I know my kids better than most dads.
Kids of course do not come with an instruction manual but what we all have is memories of our own childhood. This is our resource. During my parenthood I have often delved into the dim and distant past when needing inspiration on how to bring up my kids. I recall the wonderful times when my father did things with me that I enjoyed and the even better times when it was obvious that we were both enjoying it. I also remember the dull times when he attempted to get me interested in some of the things that he liked doing. As an adult of course I would love it if he were still around and we could do some of those things together. Unfortunately for him trawling around antique shops did not push the buttons of a very sorts minded ten year old!
Getting to know your kids is the first step. ver the years I have played copious numbers of different board games, many related to the latest fad - “Harry Potter”, “The Simpson"etc. and of become addicted to (usually only for ashort time) various computer and console games. The thing is to give them a go. In my experience if you are willing to try what they like they will be willing to try what you like. My youngest, now thirteen, has been a keen golfer since the age of five - they all tried it, she took to it. We now enjoy lovely spring and summer afternoons playing the odd nine holes.
And this “I try, you try"regime works in other ways too - food, work even ensuring tht “bedtime"is adheared to.
The most rewarding thing I have done in my life has been to get to know my kids and I urge everyone, particularly dads (I think we need to make a bit moe of an effort) to do the same.