Sunday, November 03, 2013

Dads' Advice on Fatherhood - Seven things to know


When my son was born almost two weeks ago he didn't come with an instruction manual - foreseeing this, I took the precaution of asking a dozen Christian fathers whom I respect, their advice on daddyhood and the following were overwhelmingly the strongest responses I received.



Seven things to know about being a Dad to a son (according to amazing Dads I know) -

1.  Protect your marriage: Love your wife and make her, not just your child your priority after Christ.

2.  Unconditional love: Reassure your child of your unconditional love regularly and let him know you're proud of him.

3.  Pray for them: Spend time alone and with your wife and other friends praying for your child.

4.  Pray with them: Make time where possible to pray with each child individually or as a family.

5.  Set a good example: Be the man you wish your child to be. Children will naturally love their mothers but copy their fathers.

6.  Discipline: Set boundaries, ensure he knows what is and isn't acceptable.

7.  Authenticity: Be real - don't pretend - apologise when you screw up.


I treasure the advice that these people shared with me - some of it surprised me and some didn't - but  these are real men whom I have seen guiding and actively taking a part in their children's lives - and had the generosity and courage to share their views with me.

All of the above will soon turn into links where I share in greater depth what was shared with me but in the meantime I shall leave you with "I've been watching you" by Rodney Atkins which illustrates all seven of the above but especially setting an example and prayer: YouTube: I've been Watching You 

2 comments:

  1. Just to let you know I have now read it! Enjoy the adventure of life with May and Joseph!
    Not sure I quite agree with the first point, although you should certainly nurture and cherish your wife and marriage I am not sure this needs to be placed above the child. I think it all needs to be together. The love of a child as a father is different to the love of a husband to his wife and I see no need for a 'league table' of priority.

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  2. Thanks Michael - I agree with you although some people I spoke to did feel this quite strongly - the link here goes into a little more detail: http://nonangelussedanglus.blogspot.hk/2013/11/dads-advice-on-daddyhood-part-1-protect.html

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