Respect Your Children’s Mother
One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother. If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you’re not married, it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children. A father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for them. When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected.
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them.” ~ Colossians 3:19
Spend Time With Your Children
How a father spends his time tells his children what’s important to him. If you always seem to busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children. Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are forever lost.
Earn The Right To Be Heard: All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong. That’s why so many children cringe when their mother says, “Your father wants to talk with you.” Begin talking with your kids when they are very young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle as they get older. Take time and listen to their ideas and problems.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6
Discipline With Love
All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior. Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.
“Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yea, he shall give delight to your soul.” ~ Proverbs 29:17
Be A Role Model
Fathers are role models to their kids whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility. “All the world’s a stage…” and a father plays one of the most vital roles.
“And fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” ~ Ephesians 6:4
Be A Teacher
Too many fathers think teaching is something others do. But a father who teaches his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life.
“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace to your head and chains around your neck. ~ Proverbs 1:7-9
Eat Together As A Family
Sharing a meal together (breakfast, lunch or dinner) can be an important part of healthy family life. In addition to providing some structure in a busy day, it gives kids the chance to talk about what they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen and give advice. Most importantly, it is a time for families to be together each day.
Read To Your Children: In a world where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children. Children learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing. Begin reading to your children when they are very young. When they are older encourage them to read on their own. Instilling your children with a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure they will have a lifetime of personal and career growth.
“If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies, then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others.” ~ Philippians 2:1-4
Show Affection
Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection everyday is the best way to let your children know that you love them.
“You and God are witnesses how holy and justly and blamelessly we were to you who believe, even as you know how we exhorted and comforted and testified to each one of you, as a father to his children, that you should walk worthy of God, who has called you to His kingdom and glory.” ~ I Thessalonians 2:10-12
Realize That A Father’s Job Is Never Done
Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it’s continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow and, perhaps, marry and build their own families.
“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice; and he who fathers a wise child shall have joy from him.” ~ Proverbs 23:24
