Dads, it’s a work in progress. Each stage of life will bring different challenges, each child will be different, and you’ll enter and exit seasons of life that will make you understand worry lines and hair loss.

Where Dads get in trouble is when we stop somewhere along the way.

• We think our wife may be better suited to have that conversation.
  • Yes, you may have to have a conversation about sex with your son or daughter. Will it be a little awkward? Yes, but you still need to have it. Do some research, talk to other parents about how they have had the conversation, and pray and speak with them.
• Our children are not responding to what you say.
  • We will need to make sure our children hear us with selective hearing, headphones, or just plain sass. We also need to make sure we have something worthy to say. Sometimes we dole out pearls of wisdom, and sometimes we ramble. Plan your conversation so you both can get the most out of it.
• We may not spend as much time together as we used to
  • Don’t overact. Schedules change, kids graduate school, get married, etc. As long as you invest wisely in your relationship, you both should make time for each other. It may be different than when they were living at home, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love you.
• We may think your children have gotten to the point that they no longer need our input.
  • Did you raise a child to always depend on you for everything? Or did you raise a child who could learn, grow and seek advice when needed? Fact is, you won’t always be there; it’s wise for them to be self-sufficient. If you give wise counsel, they will reach out when needed. If you don’t, they will seek it elsewhere.
• We may not relate to what they are going through…because back in my day…
• Times change. Just because it was one way when we were going through it doesn’t mean that’s how it is now. Learn to assess the landscape and what your child is currently going through.

Truth & Grace

• Being a Dad is a growing ever-changing calling that if you stop, your family will suffer from it.
• Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Challenge: I challenge you and I both to not ease up on the calling we have in being a Dad to our children.