A Daughter's Take on Fatherhood - NCCG.ORG Ning Network Archive 2008-10

It seems like more and more our society is discounting the importance of the role fathers play in their children’s lives. Whether it is the promotion of single parenting or the feminist movement, fathers have lost their status as the foundation of the family. This shift has had tremendous ramifications for today’s youth. Countless studies show that when the Father is absent from the home, children are more likely to live in poverty, have lower self-esteem and perform worse in school. With divorce rates at an all-time high, many fathers have been ushered out of the home. It is no wonder our youth are experiencing a moral crisis today.

As a daughter, I know how important my father is in my life. My dad is the glue that holds my family together. He is the pillar of strength and wisdom, the example of unconditional love and zeal for the ways of the Lord. Too often though, even in Christian homes, fathers neglect to be the leaders God requires of them. The following is a list of ten guidelines that will help our fathers to better understand what we as children need from them.

Turn Off the Television and Tune into Your Family
Spend quality time with us and get to know our lives intimately. When you have a close personal relationship with us, we will honour your guidance because we cannot bear to disappoint you. Also, for at least one meal per day, let’s eat together as a family. This is the perfect time to catch up on what is going on in each other’s lives, and can set the framework for further one-on-one time.

Discipline with Love; Never in Anger
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

Discipline can be as difficult to implement as it is to receive, but we need guidance and correction. Work with us to establish boundaries and appropriate punishments for crossing the line. Consistency is essential in this process; we should know in advance the consequences for breaking the rules. Discipline us with consistency, wisdom, and love. See Hebrews 12:5-11, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Lead By Example
We observe your behavior every day. Before you can require godly behavior from us, you must set the example first. If we observe your zeal for serving the Lord, we will pick up on this attitude (2 Peter 1: 5-9).

Teach the Ways of the Lord
God holds parents accountable to teach their children His ways. Fathers, as heads of the family, it is your responsibility to ensure that your family is God-centred. We need to learn to apply godly principles in our lives from an early age, not just in church-related matters, but also to every aspect of our lives.