FATHERS

DAY 4

  

Proverbs 22:6 talks about the importance of teaching and guiding your kids. It is very important that you play and get your hands dirty with your kids. I mean really play - outside, in the dirt, playing. Wrestling in the living room. Dancing with the music turned up loud. Spending quality time with them is important in guiding them. There are too many things trying to get your kids attention and as they get older, it only gets harder. Give them a reason to want to spend time with you by being fully present with them.

I fully believe it is the parent’s job to steward their kid’s innocence. I don’t care how much you trust them, kids are kids. You can’t protect their ears when they are not around you, but you can when they are in your sight. 

Here are few things my wife and I have done to help keep our kids focused.

1.) Limit media time. My son loves video games and would sit and play all day if we let him. As nice and quiet as the house is when he plays video games, I want him to live, breathe, and chase adventures. Our kids get one or two hours of video games each day. This is also not just anytime they want it - all chores and school must be done before media time can begin. Ephesians 5:16 ESV tells us to make the “best use of the time.”

2.) Limit the type of social media kids have. We can’t protect them from everything but when it comes to social media, kids can be exposed to things that someone their age doesn’t need to see or hear. They don’t always like these rules but when they protest, we always explain why it’s important and pray that they understand one day. It’s worth it in the long run. Luke 11:34 NIV says, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.”

3.) We help set up play areas and encourage them to be creative. I was a kid, my parents could yell “go play” because we could run around the neighborhood until dark. Today, playing outside isn’t always safe, so my wife and I try to help them get creative with games and things to do in and around our house. Often times, it’s at the expense of cleanliness, but we want our house is to be lived in and not seen as a museum. But it’s all worth it if they are having quality and safe fun. Proverbs 17:22 ESV says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.”

4.) We invest in their hobbies. If they want to play ball, support and encourage them to practice, stick to it, and have fun. If they want to be in a band, give them the opportunity to make noise. Be your kids’ biggest believer! God is a creator so let’s encourage them to try new things, explore opportunities, and be creative like Him. Genesis 1:27 ESV says, “God created man in His own image…”

My wife and I use all of these opportunities to be a Godly influence on them - to show them how to love others by setting that example and how to practice things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (the fruits of the spirit!). Being a father is hard work but it’s also really rewarding. Don’t get down on yourself when you fall short – we’re all still learning the things we’re teaching our children. My prayer for all fathers is that you never feel alone and that by being a God-focused parent, you’re being His hands and feet.