Parenting three beautiful daughters, serving as a youth pastor, and working in counseling, I have seen and experienced some great and not-so-great Dad moments. The role of fathers has become increasingly important in a society of the fatherless. Sometimes we are not just fathers to our biological children, but we serve as spiritual fathers and mentors to those around us who need it.
A few things I’ve learned:
- Children hear everything you say, and they mimic everything you do, so give them a good example.
- When I’ve done something wrong (like speak harshly to my wife), my “circle of confession” should be as large as the circle of the offense. If my children witnessed the event, I should apologize to them too.
- If you argue in front of your children, take care of it in front of your children
- Don’t ignore. What you ignore, they store.
- Don’t argue in front of children about discipline…have a united front and resolve the differences in a “business meeting” with you and your spouse
- Determine what impressions you need to work on with your children and wife, and do it!
If your children followed you around 24/7, what would they see? Would they be exposed to temptation or led away from it? Is who I am at the office the same man as who they see at home?
Let us challenge ourselves to BE what we want our children to see.
Be loving.
Be honorable.
Be open.
Be forgiving.