ESSENCE OF FATHERHOOD

Sir,

The journey of being, and becoming a good man and a great father is not usually easy.

Sometimes we excel, and other times we just mess up. It can sometimes be so overwhelming to play the role of effective fatherhood. Sometimes our careers require extensive time away from home and drain our strength and energy, and may preoccupy our thoughts even when we are home. Too many men have virtually defaulted as fathers, becoming either absentee or uninvolved in their children’s day by day development. As men, sometimes we find ourselves fumbling in the juggling act of marriage, career and fatherhood.

In spite of the modern day career set-up, men must try to be accessible, involved and communicative to their children and wives. The bottom line is that fathers are of vital importance to their children. Our relationship with our sons and daughters is a verified factor in their self-esteem, and consequently affects their growth in wisdom, stature and favour with man and God.

Fathers must talk together, network and pray for each other, and encourage each other in order for them to be in a better position to face the challenges of guiding their children through the minefields of modern adolescence towards a happy, responsible and successful adulthood. As fathers we have the privilege, and the responsibility of making a significant difference in the next generation of our world.   

friend

A father should be a warm intimate friend, able to listen to his family’s delights and distress. As fathers we should be gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

A father is one who supports and stands with his children in times of difficulties. A father is one who encourages, affirms, inspires and is always present. A father who is going to shape his children’s lives and future is the one who is present and involved. One of the most important aspects of a father’s quality functions is to give spiritual guidance to his family. Therefore, a father must embrace wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He must not walk in ignorance.

As fathers, we have the privilege and the responsibility of making a difference in the lives of our children and family. It’s never too late to become a good father. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by what you didn’t do right, rather focus on the small new steps you are going to take from now onwards to make a difference as a father. Great fathers make great families, great families make good communities, good communities produce productive citizens and great nations. 

C S

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