The world we live in is NOT like those shows we watch on TV. Some Dads are really difficult to handle, abusive or horrible to be with. If you are unlucky and you got stuck with a terrible Dad, these steps might just help you understand and deal with it better.

[edit] Steps

Accept that we don't choose our parents. If your Dad is abusive or not there for you in the way you need him to be-it can be very painful but it is NOT your fault. Understanding this fact is very important!
Release any guilt you feel by acknowledging that your Dad is not a good parent role model for you. There are many ways your father can be harmful to you. Is he physically abusive to you or your mother? Does he call you or other family members names, belittle and curse at them? Is he gone all the time and distant when he is home? Does he not have any time for you? Is he a alcoholic or an addict? Is he too strict or and just plain mean?
Understand it is NOT your problem other than you are forced to live and deal with him. If your Dad is an unhappy or weak person that does not make you the "cause" of it. You did not drive him to this behavior. He has created his own life and his own relationships with people. He might have been happy at one time but he is not now. This fact you can not change no matter how much you might want to.
Avoid big dramatic blow ups with him. It will get you nowhere if anything only make things worse. Your life just has to go on without him. You don't need to prove yourself or try to win approval from him. It will make you feel horrible and empty inside. Focus on the good relationships you do have with other people. Surround yourself with people who care about you and your feelings. Don't have anyone? Reach out and become friends with kind people. The world is filled with nice people who want good friends and care about others.
Work hard at pleasing yourself in life. If you want money than work very hard at your grades and stay in school. If you are already working than begin to save your money to become more independent.
Look around you..are there other good men out there who can become a father figure to you? Older men in their seventies and eighties can be lonesome and looking for someone to talk with. They might enjoy telling you stories of their lives or give you good advice.
Stay strong. Embrace your values and morals. Strive to be a good man or woman despite being dealt with an unhappy father.

[edit] Tips

Do become a role model of good and kind behavior especially to your younger sisters and brothers. Tell other family members how much you love them and will always be there for them.
If your Dad is a drinker or does drugs, watch yourself. His mood can change in a instant. Stay at a friends or with other relatives. If it is really bad or dangerous- tell someone.
Know that if your father is impossible to live with, someday you will grow up and be an adult. Take steps to see the big picture. You can apply for trade school or college in another state or join the military to continue your education. Just don't give up on yourself.
If your mother is married to a abusive man, try to help her get out of the relationship to a point. However if you are a teen than you might need to work on saving yourself first. Some women think they deserve to be hit or called names. Your mother might be a good woman just weak and scared. Tell her how you feel and if she does not listen than concentrate on yourself.
Stay in school and play sports if you are a teen. Hard exercise is a great way to release the stress and pressure of your home life. If you are tempted to hit someone or bully them-you might be trying to get some stress and anger off.Don't do it-it will make you feel small inside. Also hitting the books at the library is a great excuse to not be home around him... same with team sports.
If you are bullying people-just stop and apologize. You are better than that.
At school events or at home if he picks on you or criticizes everything you do-just back off and retreat. Try to talk to someone about how frustrated, hurt and angry you feel at him. Get it off your chest-don't keep it inside. *Avoid dealing with him as much as you possibly can. Stay busy and focused. Get a after school job or just don't pick up the phone if he does call.
If you have a father who seems like he just does not care. There is not much you can do. Showing indifference to your own child is sad. Pity that he is unable to have a loving relationship with you. Take some of your love for him and shower it on someone who deserves it...yourself. Make your own life goals and dreams come true. You can carve a good life and start a new family with plenty of love and attention for everyone.
Chances are very good that your Dad suffered in his own childhood. Does he complain bitterly about his own parents? Or does he never want to talk about his childhood? Both are signs that he had troubles as a kid and was hurt or abused while growing up. Some men also become damaged from war, drinking or drugs. They develop deep walls to numb their own inner pain. These are wounds that can not be healed by you. If he is lashing out at family members or you in a dangerous or unpredictable way-call the police. If you fear he could seriously hurt a family member or yourself-than call the police or arrange for a family member to pick you up. Hide from him if you have to but it is better to tell an adult. Don't get in the family car with him if he has been drinking or is stoned.
It is against the law to have sex or abuse kids in a physical manner ( shoving down, twisting your arm,leaving bruises, lash marks,etc.). Remember that not homes are like yours and you can get help.
Don't believe that because you had a horrible Dad that you will be a bad parent in the future. You alone are responsible for your behavior. Treat everyone like you want to be treated.
Call a domestic violence hotline.
If the situation becomes volatile, call 911.

[edit] Warnings

Don't bend over backwards trying to please or make you miserable Dad happy. You will fail. Because a person creates their own happiness. Just don't let his behavior drag you down.
Don't have false expectations of him. If he always lets you down-tell him and tell your Mom. Be clear that you don't want to be hurt by HIS behavior. If he does not change quickly-distance yourself and reward other people with your time and love. Just because he is your father-you don't have to take his lack of respect or poor treatment. You deserve so much better.
Don't become like him in your behavior. This is your life-make it a good one.
Don't drink or take drugs to block him out-you will only hurt yourself and become weaker.
Don't let anyone touch you if you don't want to be touched. If your Dad is hitting you or touching you sexually, than you must tell someone outside the family. Tell a neighbor, friend or teacher. That is not acceptable behavior. Your are not his punching bag or his sex toy. RESPECT yourself and protect other family members.
Some Dads are just really damaged people or mentally ill. Again not much you can do. Protect yourself!
Never fall for "You are a bad kid" routine or label. It happens in many families. If your Dad or both your parents tell you or other people that you are "trouble" or "a bad kid who gives us problems". Remember you are just a kid! That is not who you are -it is a just a false statement. Why do people label kids? To prevent themselves and others from judging them! They do not want to look inside themselves and work on their own problems so it is easier to pick on you. Do not believe it for one minute. Adults can manipulate kids very easily. Only you can decide your own character.
If at anytime your Dad tells up to break the law. Don't do it. He might get very angry, hit you and call you every name in the book but stand your ground. If he threatens you that he will put you in a "jail for kids" or send you to foster care-call his bluff. Tell him you will call "Childcare services". That is a service that will rescue you if you are in deep trouble. Their job is to protect kids. Or tell another older relative like a grandparent or an Auntie.