There are many things a boy needs from his father, but the three most important roles that a father can play in his life are role model, provider and protector. A father's role as a role model is to provide positive examples for his son to follow and to teach them values such as respect, honesty, responsibility and self-respect. A father's role as a provider is to provide financial support for his son while they are growing up so they can develop their own dreams and goals.