Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men

How to Be a Good Father

wouldn‘t believe what I did. I said, ―Finish it.‖ Guess what? Art became her favorite subject in school. She didn‘t mean to destroy my painting. She was just trying to paint. Fathers need to encourage their children in what they are trying to do, even though it‘s not perfect. Maybe your son didn‘t receive an A in class, but at least he went to class. There are some kids who skip their classes. The teacher knows that at least your child tried. So correct and instruct your child with patience, and encourage his or her efforts. Next, children need comforting. You encourage them when they‘re doing something positive, and when you want them to improve in something. But there will be times when they become discouraged, hurt, confused, or disillusioned. That is when they need comfort. How can you comfort your children? By letting them know they are loved, even when they make mistakes or don‘t live up to your expectations. By listening to their struggles and problems with kindness and understanding. By giving them warm embraces and loving words when they are sad. To be a comforter, you have to be accessible to your children. You have to know what‘s going on in their lives so you can know when they‘re going through struggles and l o neliness. Children will be comforted to know you‘re avail a ble to them and that you make it a point to spend time with them. Your comfort will also help them to know that their heavenly Father is a Comforter, just as He is described in His Word: “the Father of compassion and the God of all co m fort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Cor. 1:3 – 4). Fathers are also to urge or warn their children to live righteously. Yet how many fathers confuse warning with threatening? ―I‘m going to kill you if you don‘t stop that!‖ Some fathers don‘t have any kind of tact, because they don‘t know any better. A child interprets a warning as love, but sees a threat as hate. 9. A Good Father Warns His Children 8. A Good Father Comforts His Children

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