A Father's Words

[Shirley A. Bass]

Father's tell your children that they have value and worth and show them as well as tell them that they are loved by you. Proverbs 13:24 says "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. That does not mean abusing your children but disciplining them in whatever way will get their attention. It may mean just taking away priviledges and then it may mean tapping up the behind. Children need structure. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Instill wisdom in your children by your example. Tell your children about being abstinate. Show your sons how to treat a lady by holding open a door, opening the car door, pull out her chair and seat her at the table. Show your son how to be a leader and not a follower. Help your children with their homework and any other tasks they may have or be involved in. Show your daughters how they should be treated. Take them on dates, open the car door for her, pull out her chair for her to take her seat, take her for a walk and walk on the street side. When she gets older if a young man doesn't do these things, she will not want anything to do with him because she wants to be treated like a lady. Never forget to let your child know that you love them and that the Lord loves them also. A father's love is so essential to your children, especially your daughters for without it she may go looking for love in all the wrong places and end up a teenage mother. Begin early showing your children, your sons and daughters love and affection. Also let your sons know that it is alright to show emotions. It takes a big man to cry and share his feelings. Putting on a macho image only says you are noy willing to show any emotion and you are hiding behind a mask. Let the real you come forth.