Well once again Father's Day is here and to each father amongst us the question is am I a good father? That question although valid can be result in some misleading answers. What does being a good father mean? First the most obvious is gathering a child does not automatically mean you will be a good father. Unfortunately, bearing off-spring does not make any man a good or bad father. Simply put, its what you do afterwards that defines our question. By that we mean, are you present in your child's life, do you take the time to interact, and most importantly do you truly listen to your child? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves.
Being present in your child's life is more than showing up with a toy every once in a while. It means being there to change the diaper, going to the doctor, remember important events such as their first steps or words. Involvement also means playing games with them, projects, sports, and their other activities. It also means being present at there activities, school events as well as being available to them at times if trial and tribulation. Children need there fathers in there lives. That involvement makes the difference between being a father and being a Dad!
My interactions with children and teens places me into interactions with teens that allow me to hear their concerns. They frequently express concern over being understood by there parents. So listening for all young people is imperative for parents. Now I do not mean to say that your children should do all the talking. Simply that when they talk, listen to what they have to say. Listen to the content and the context of what they are saying. Do not be so quick to judge, so quick to change the course of their direction. Teens understand the dynamic of parent and child, but what they frequently rebel against is dictator and peon Be a good listening and you will be amazed at what your will here.
To all the father's out there and those future fathers Happy Fathers Day.
