Being A Better Dad

Teenagers are influenced by many people, but most consistently by their parents. Barna research tells us that 78% of teens say that their parents have a lot of influence over their life. In the area of spiritual influence parents were again, by far, the leading influence. And regarding dads, 39% said they are emotionally very close to their father while sadly 9% say “they are not at all close to their dads.” How can we become better Dads? In Deuteronomy 11:19 we are told that God expects us to teach our children by spending time with them and talking with them. Today we covered important points about parenting.

1. Love your God- God loves best and when we understand how well he loves we will reflect His type of love and will be better Dads for it.

2. Love your Spouse- In loving your wife and speaking kind words about the children’s mom, the children feel more secure and loved by you as they see you love and respect her.

3. Be Available- Love to a child is spelled TIME.

4. Respect the Child- Ephesians 6:4 calls the fathers to not provoke our children to anger, but to bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

5. Allow expression- Children feel valued when they’re heard and this also teaches them how healthy communication takes place.

6. Stay Alert- They’re watching you. Children learn by observation far more than words.

7. Be Open and Honest- You don’t have to be perfect or have answers for everything, but by being open and honest the children learn to live free from unrealistic perfection.

Recently, I was stopped in traffic and read a bumper sticker that was meaningful to me. It read, “It’s never too late to have a happy Childhood.” If you’ve had a bad relationship with your parents- forgive them and connect with your heavenly father so that you can be the best Dad you can. Psalm 103 says that even when my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will take me in. He’s faithful and He loves you no matter what. I encourage you to always pray with and for your wife and children. Nothing speaks louder of a Father’s love than a Father’s blessing upon the home.