Fathers Matter

General

Jul 30

Two little words, “I’m pregnant.” Those two little words can produce boundless joy and tremendous anxiety. Whether you were planning it, and THIS is the best news you’ve ever heard, or it hit you like a ton of bricks and you are just not ready for THIS at all, please know that THIS is not an accident!That tiny life was meant to be, and you were meant to be his/her father. You may be asking, “What is going to be expected of me? Will I ever sleep again? How many poopy diapers can there be in a day? What do diapers cost? What does college cost? Am I prepared to support this child financially? Can I be responsible for another human’s life? Can I teach him to be a good man? Will I have to give her away when she gets married? Is there a How-To Book?”Well, the good news is, YES! There is a How-To Book! For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. ~ Proverbs 2:6The important role of a father in his child’s life is evident throughout scripture. Many of His commands come with a promise. “For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” -Proverbs 2:8The important role of a father includes doing these things:

Love your child’s mother. Your child will learn to love or hate the way you do.
Teach them when to stand up and when to turn away. Your child will learn respect for themselves and for others.
Let your child know that family is worth fighting for. Family is whom you have when everyone else has walked away.
Forgive your child. And tell them that you and God forgive them.
Don’t disappoint your child. Show them that you will be there through the good times and the bad.
Admit your mistakes. That shows you are human too.
Give your child affection. Let them feel your love in tangible ways.
Set an example for your child. Children learn by watching - what you do will teach them much more than what you say.

These are lofty goals, no doubt. Thankfully it doesn’t have to be perfect.Children, who have bonded with their fathers and have a strong relationship with them, have fewer behavioral problems. They are also more emotionally secure, more social, and less likely to drop out of school early. Additionally, they are less likely to become involved in substance abuse. In short, the benefits of having a father involved in a child’s life are profound.