Every dad is unique, fulfilling a special role in the life of his child that only he can fulfill. This is why comparing yourself to other dads is not usually a productive way to go when trying to become a better dad. Don’t stack your strengths and weaknesses up against others, but try to improve yourself for the sake of making your children’s lives better and giving them the best possible version of you that you can. If you’re interested in becoming a better dad, then start with these three crucial steps:
– Spend Quality Time with your Kids
Kids benefit greatly both behaviorally and academically from having a very involved father. In the first few years of life a child’s primary caregiver is often their mother, but you should try to be active wherever you can by taking the little one off her hands when you come home from work and volunteering to get up for the baby in the middle of the night. As your children grow older you can take on an even more active role in their lives. Heed the words of scripture when caring for your children. God’s Word extols us to:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” (1 Peter 5:2)
– Lead with Strength and Kindness
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13)
This spiritual encouragement quote from Psalms shows us that a father who leads his children with compassion is modeling himself after the Lord. It should be noted that the Bible often uses the word “fear” to denote respect and reverence rather than dread. God is overflowing with compassion for those who respect His strength. A good father has enough strength to command the respect of his children, as well as the ability to lead them with kindness in return.
– Put God first
Scripture continually reminds us that children are a gift from God, making it clear that faith and parenting are designed to be closely intertwined. Psalm 127:3, for example, tells us that “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” Bible verses such as these are there to remind us that faith shouldn’t be confided to the church and forgotten about for the rest of the week. Your faith can and should be incorporated into your everyday life, especially when it comes to decisions concerning how to be the best dad you can be for your children.
Focusing on leading a Godly Christian life is the best way to ensure that you always lead with strength and kindness and find the motivation to spend quality time with your children every single day. Challenges will surely present themselves along your journey to becoming a better dad, but you will find that they can all be overcome with heartfelt prayer and Biblical guidance.
