This is Father’s Day week. A time in which we celebrate dads and how important they are to the family unit. I’ll be sharing several posts about this person whose dignity has suffered greatly over the last decades.

The family unit has changed radically over time.  Often children have more than two parents.  Many times, there is only one parent laying the groundwork.  In any case, the children are getting mixed messages on how they should behave. Fathers have taken on a different look in the 21st century.  They used to be the spiritual leaders, sole bread winners, and most importantly, it’s up to the parent/s to be the role model for their children.  Unfortunately, kids don’t come with an instruction manual and often parenting is a matter of learning as you go.  There should be a chain of command within the family. According to the Bible, God is the overseer – the mentor – the One in charge and the One we go to first for advice. The father is next. He carries out God’s plan for the family. The wife is the husband’s partner. Together they determine how the family should live. They lead by example, and they show respect and honor to those who come next.

Here are things that we should be talking with our children about as soon as they can understand.

• God is the head of the family, and He should be shown the respect He deserves.
• Modesty – Children will imitate what you wear, by the way, because you are their hero.
• Teach them to show respect to parents, self and others.
• Manners should be reintroduced into the curriculum for child rearing.
• Children should learn what is inappropriate behavior from others, including words and touch.
• Talk about sexual immorality.
• Encourage your children to vocalize their fears, their uncomfortable feelings, their misconceptions, their ability to trust.
• Keep the lines of communication open all the time – I’m talking face to face. Build that relationship early on.
• Be available, encourage, give them the tools they need to deal with social issues
• LISTEN!

Here are some Bible passages that might help.

1 Peter 3:3-4 talks about modesty.  Phillipians 2:3 refers to respect.  Regarding sexual immorality refer to 1 Corinthians 6:18.  Exodus 20:12 and Romans 12:12 talks about honoring others. The Bible is a great manual for living

In the 18 or so years of their lives, we are responsible as parents to guide, instruct and love our children.  Their first hero is their parent.  We are setting the bar.  Are you living up to your responsibility?