Friday, June 17, 2011

The 4 Primary Duties Of A Father

As much as we would love for Father's Day to be on par with Mother's Day, it simply is not. Mothers are a natural, crucial and irreplaceable part of a child's life. They are connected to each other long before the father has any idea that his seed has brought forth the gift of a new life. He becomes a biological father before becoming a "Dad," and will have to be diligent in establishing and maintaining a comparable connection.

Below I've listed the 4 primary duties that fathers can focus on to become superstar "Dads." Your children will thank you later (probably much, much later - but they will).

1. Love
It's not a given that you love your children; just as it's not a given that you love the person who gave birth to them. Loving them doesn't always come voluntarily; choosing to express the love freely, abundantly, and consistently does. The love a child feels from their mother is nurturing and all encompassing; the love a child feels from their father is strengthening and reassuring.

2. Teach
Parents are the first teachers in a child's life. Mothers teach through expression; fathers teach through example. Children can change you and your life for the better if you fully embrace them and the magnitude of your role in their lives.

3. Protect 
In every child's life, there will come a time when he/she needs to be protected - from others, situations, or from themselves. A father's presence can engender security; a father's absence often breeds insecurity.

4. Guide
The road to independence is long, and guidance (emotional, psychological, spiritual, and financial) will be needed (some more and/or longer than others). The key is not to solicit advice, but to keep your adult relationships with them healthy and strong so that they feel comfortable enough to ask for advice when they need it.

Repeat steps 1 - 4 for the rest of your life. Happy Dad's Day!

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