By Patricia Spradley
A good father is FAITHFUL. He is faithful to God and faithful to his children. He understands that he must remain faithful, especially in the tough times. Real fatherhood is not for the faint and weary. Staying the course when a job is lost, by relentlessly searching and taking something that may make them feel “less than”, is not easy. Providing for their families is a responsibility that faithful fathers make a priority. They do this knowing that they are not alone because He promised to never leave them or forsake them.
A good father is AUTHENTIC. Fathers used to be the breadwinner for the family, the disciplinarian, and often played the role of the strong, silent type. However, things have changed. A good father is not afraid to show his authentic self. Showing vulnerabilities is not a sign of weakness but opens doors for being more approachable. He boasts about his wife earning more than he does. This is a strength that real men are proud of, not threatened by. Authentic conversations happen between fathers and children (even the adult ones) because fathers keep it real! Being authentic invites “real talk” and strengthens relationships.
A good father is TRUSTED. He understands that trust is essential to establishing and maintaining open communication. Children believe that their father is right, at least most of the time. They believe he won’t lie to them, betray them, or leave them in the lurch. Children know that a trusted father is there when they want help or are in trouble. When this trust is there, a child will even confide in their father, realizing the potential reprimands or repercussions. The consistency and reliability of knowing that the father has their best interest at heart, is what matters. A good father is HUMBLE. He uses himself as an example when relating to his children, especially sons. He lets them know that he made mistakes, too. But they also take every opportunity to share how to learn from those mistakes, not at the child’s expense. Humble fathers are not prideful and boastful, remembering that they were once children. He does not feel the need to always be right.
A good father is a source of ENCOURAGEMENT to his children. Be it a basketball game or a recognition event, his presence at the venue gives a boost to the child’s confidence. He is a proud peacock when they succeed, and he is the one who makes them try harder if they fail. His words make a world of difference to the child. His words have the power to make or break them.
A good father is a ROLE MODEL. Married or dating, the way he treats his wife or significant other sets expectations for the child in how their mate deserves to be treated. A good father teaches his son how to be a man. A good father volunteers at school, sporting events or other activities. A good father is also there for other children in the neighborhood. A good father teaches lessons, not just for academics, but for life. A good father not only tells but shows his children what good character traits look like. And a good father is proud of his children because he positively contributed to them being genuinely good people. ■
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
