ADVICE TO DADS

 

1. Be your child’s “First Teacher” (Proverbs 22:6)

It’s our responsibility to “train up a child in the way he/she should go.” Not the school, not the government, but you—and that means dad.

 

2. Dads need to exemplify a good life (2 Cor. 3:2-3)

Scripture teaches that who we are and how we live is like a “letter from God.” Our kids read that letter, every day.  Be honest, truthful, reliable, faithful and keep your

 

3. Provide for your family (I Tim. 5:8)

In our times if you are struggling to find work, don’t get down on yourself. This idea is more about your heart and desire. Being a father who provides covers more than rent and food. As dads, it’s our responsibility to make sure our family’s needs are addressed across the board. Be encouraged and look for ways to give to your family even when it is hard to financially.

 

4. Good dads discipline their children (Proverbs 13: 24)

The one who loves their children, Scripture says, “is careful to discipline them.” This is also about proactive leadership in our homes.  It is about consistent, firm and thoughtful discipline done in love and with he aim to correct and direct behavior.

 

5. Dads spend time with their children, and it’s not empty time (Deut. 6: 6-9)

The Scriptures are clear that dads must engage their children in the kind of deep, heart-to-heart conversations that impart more than facts, but teach wisdom. Schedule some regular “conversational walks” with your children, one on one. Family time that counts.  Mealtimes and special playdates can accomplish this so well.

 

6. Compassion is a “dad” characteristic

A father has compassion for his children. Psalm 103:13 points out, “so the LORD has compassion.”  It means loving your children as you love yourself.  Doing all you can in love them them.  The greatest thing you can do for your family is love your spouse.

 

7. “Put your money where your mouth is”

Well, not in those exact words. But James 1:22 instructs us to not only be “hearers” of God’s word but “doers” also.  Don’t just tell show.  Your life is to be an example.  Don’t ask you family to be something you are not.

 

8. Don’t provoke your children (Ephesians 6:4)

The alternative, the Scripture suggests, is to raise them to be young people of faith.  Don’t have unrealistic expectations of them.  Don’t bully, be hypocritical or take your frustrations and anger out on your spouse or children.  “Children who know that their dads pray for them every day own a deep sense of love and security.”

 

9. Dads never give up on their kids

The story of “The Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:20-24) is the story of a father who never gives up hope and is ready to receive his child back with open arms. We can discipline, we can hold accountable, but we must never give up.  Teach them to never give up on themselves or others.  All are growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

10. Dads pray for their children (1 Chronicles 29:19)

King David prayed for his son, Solomon. Children who know without any doubt that their dads pray for them every day own a deep sense of love and security.  “Children who know that their dads pray for them every day own a deep sense of love and security.”  Be like Job who prayed for his kids everyday.  Declare Acts 16:31, Prov 22:6 and Josh 24:15 for them.