Fatherhood 101

The role of a father is always changing in our modern world. The art of fatherhood is evolving as a society and traditional family changes. With these principles, dads can help their children build confidence and self-esteem and in turn learn how to be engaged, supportive, and loving fathers to their children. 

^“4 Fathers,^[a] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NLT

“⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESV

1. Recognize differences – As fathers, every child is unique and different. Be open to recognizing how different our kids are from us. There will be positive and negative characteristics and cycles. Help them to break the negative cycles. Encourage them to embrace the positive cycles. 
   
   
2. Eliminate distractions – Cell phones, iPads, video games, and social media are distractions. As fathers, it is our responsibility to implement quality time with our kids on a regular basis. They are expecting our time to spend with them. 
   
   
3. Answer the questions – As fathers, our kids are curious and will have questions that only a father can answer. Will you be that father who will be there for your children to answer the questions they have? 
   
   
4. Teach them opportunities – As fathers, we need to look for teaching moments. It’s not all about punishments or disciplining. It’s also about teaching opportunities. It’s our job to be a coach, mentor, and leader. This will benefit them when they reach adulthood. 
   
   
5. Be silly – As fathers, it’s okay to have a sense of humor with your kids sometimes. I know as men we are too often always serious because we have a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes we just have to relax. We have to smile, play, roughhouse with our kids so they can understand that life is about enjoyment. 
   
   
6. Be nosey – As fathers, it’s okay to be nosey when it comes to our kids. To know firsthand about what’s going on in their lives. For example: What they are learning in school; who are their friends; are they being bullied. Ask questions, get involved, and get engaged to let your kids know and to show them that you care about them. 
   
   
7. Coach their teams – As fathers, consider getting your kids involved in some kind of team activity that they have an interest in. There are so many benefits from your kids doing extracurricular activities, and you coaching or just being there for support. 
   
   
8. Dad first/ Friend second – As fathers, it’s okay to say no. We have to be disciplinary leaders and looking first to provide structure. In which, our sole priority is to get our kids ready for adulthood. For what life has to throw at them. Dad first, friend second! 
   
   
9. Get them involved – As fathers, it’s very important to let our kids get involved with you in positive activities. Like going to church, helping others, volunteering, or building things. 
   
   
10. Teach them the value of hard work – As fathers, teach your kids the value of hard work and independence. Nothing will be given in life. We have to get out and earn the things that we want in life. It’s our responsibility to teach and instill this into our kids in order for them to be successful in anything they do. 

With these principles in mind, you will navigate fatherhood just fine.