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“Best Thing a Dad Can Do for His Kids”

You’ve probably heard these words DECLARED before: We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident… In other words, everything that comes next doesn’t have to be proven, it’s just fact. We know from observing those around us. We know from our gut. Some things are just true.

So it is with the following statement, “The Most Important Thing a Dad Can Do…”

How would you fill in that blank? Check out responses on my Facebook post, and even offer your own thoughts. Many were expected truths: “be present, honest, forgiving, loving, etc.” But a few people read my mind:

The Best Thing a Dad Can Do is Love His Wife Well. (Be a loving husband!)

That’s it. It’s not rocket science. It’s self-evident. Kids are a direct beneficiary of the love shown between a man and a woman. Men cannot spend time, listen, forgive, model, say, or display anything if they are not there, and the only way to truly “be there” is to do everything in their power to protect the stability of their family.

I could throw out stats on the direct correlation between the stability of the family and the effects on children. Social sciences prove this concept ten times over, but the true test comes from your own experience. Think about your own life. How did your dad love your mom and what affect did that have on you?

You and I both know, “do what I say, not as I do?” doesn’t really work. Kids do what we do. So it begs the tough question, “What kind of man am I modeling?” Solomon said in Proverbs, “Let them (my instructions) not escape from your sight;” (4:21) and “my son...let your eyes observe my ways” (23:26).

I want my kids to adore their spouses one day. Am I adoring my wife? Do I hold her hand, kiss her, and laugh with her in front of my kids?
I want my kids to resolve conflict quickly. Am I holding grudges, shouting constantly, or pursuing peace with my wife?
I want my kids to own their mistakes. Do they see me apologizing sincerely?
I want my kids to serve their spouses one day. Do I serve my wife in practical and tangible ways?

Someone once said, “Become who you want your kids to be.” If you dream about your kids loving one person well for a lifetime, it starts with you. It almost goes without saying, that’s the best thing you can do for your kids.

Be UNCOMMEN.

Get conversation starters, ideas, and creative dates @ www.uncommen.org .

Submitted by Dee Lanier, Executive Director of UNCOMMEN.