Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
When it comes to fathering your kids, there are three crucial ingredients: teaching, example and affection.
Teaching is the obvious one, and today’s verse shows the value of training your children in the way they should go.
But even more powerful than what you teach them is the example you set. Dads, your kids are watching how you handle bad times and how you treat people. They’re paying attention to what matters to you. You can teach them all the Bible you want, but it doesn’t mean much until they see you modelling it every day.
Affection is the third ingredient, and it’s the one that poses a challenge to many dads. Most people are good at hugging babies, but men tend to pull back when their kids hit puberty. If you didn’t receive much affection growing up, it’s going to be awkward at first to hug your sons and daughters.
Yet no matter how old they get, they’re hungry for your attention and approval. They’re just waiting for their dad to wrap an arm around them, punch them affectionately in the shoulder or reach out with the words, “I love you and I'm proud of you.”
At some point you have to stop blaming your own father for his failures and simply decide that you will be the one to break the cycle.
Teaching your kids, setting an example and especially showing affection may not come naturally to you at first. But never underestimate the impact a small gesture can have on your son or daughter. They may not admit it, but they can’t wait to hear you communicate your love to them.