Characteristics of a Great Dad (2)

‘...we loved you so much...’ 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV

Sharing your life with them. ‘We were delighted to share with you…our lives.’ How can your daughter learn healthy relations with men, or your son develop a healthy male identity, unless you share your life with them? Today’s mother-led family is largely the creation of the absentee father. Dad, you share your life with your kids by: (1) Sharing your values. They need to know what’s important to you and where your priorities lie, what you stand for and truly believe. (2) Sharing how they can live by Biblical principles. Life will throw obstacles in their pathway, confusing them. They need to know God’s ways and God’s Word when making tough, crucial decisions. (3) Sharing moments of laughter and fun. When you come home do your kids scatter or gather around you? Are you fun to be with? Teach them that Christianity is something to be enjoyed, not endured. They say: ‘The family that prays together stays together.’ So does the family that plays together! (4) Sharing with them the finer interests of life. Criticising their interests only strengthens their commitment to them. Instead of condemning their music, dress, TV shows and internet use, introduce them to better alternatives. (5) Telling them how valuable they are to you. Don’t assume they know. Researchers say that most kids, particularly boys, feel like nuisances to their dads. ‘We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you…our lives…you had become so dear to us.’ Tell them again and again!