Have you ever watched a little boy walk behind his dad, trying to march in his footprints on the beach or stay within the shadow of his outline? It is so fascinating to watch as the little guy works so hard to make sure he is keeping up in every way.

What if your children follow you? I’m not talking about in the sand or shadows, but in life. If they went everywhere you went, would you be proud or embarrassed? If they listened in on your conversations and repeated what you said, would that be okay? What if they made decisions the way you did; would they reflect character and integrity or would they be filled with suspicion and shortcuts?

The reason I ask these questions of you is because I have observed many dads who lose sight of their power, significance, and influence. They truly believe their kids don’t pay attention to them and therefore it really won’t matter what they do in their business or adult life because their kids won’t know about it anyway.

Wrong!

Children are a lot smarter than we give them credit for and too often they know things long before the adults realize. They carry secrets in their heart and know what things not to share because they are fearful, confused, or disappointed.

Think back to your relationship with your dad. When did you realize he was human? Do you remember when you first experienced disappointment over him?  Questions like these will quickly remind you of how quickly we can lose what is precious in the eyes of a child. They never want to struggle with the hypocrisy of their father. They can handle his imperfections as long as he is honest about them and can own up to them when difficult moments happen.

More than anything in the world, your children want you to be who you say you are. They need you to have integrity, character, and courage to do the right thing. They want you to try even if you are not good at something; they want you to care, to love, and to not give up on them. They are proud of you and need you to put effort into being their dad. They actually want you to be a father.

You matter.

They need you.

There is a reason God selected you to be the father to the children you have. Be the man you wish your father had been or be like the one you were blessed to have.

Be intentional about being the dad your children need!

Catherine