When I became a first time parent 19 years ago, I began to ask elders from church about parenting. Although each shared different principles to apply, one common message was passed on. At some point, kids will reach a stage in life when hanging out with dad is no longer cool.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.
As teenagers begin to develop a social life, priorities change. At some point parents have to let go and allow their children to grow up. When kids are still young, Solomon encourages fathers to demonstrate, emulate and model godliness. Raising children with character is only effective if fathers live out what they believe.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, Ephesians 6:4.
Instead of taking things personal, fathers with older children need to re-direct their attention. This involves setting goals, developing vision and start thinking about what life will be like when your nest is empty. On this father’s day, don’t exasperate your children. Rather, ask the Lord for direction in prayer when kids reach the stage in life when dad is no longer cool to hang out with.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 