It is Father's Day on Sunday 20th June. I am sure you have noticed. The shops are full of cards and enticing gifts. For many, Father's Day is one of mixed emotion. "I hate Father's Day" said someone to me this week - her father died when she was very young. With some poor role models, abusive fathers, absent fathers or fathers who abandoned their wife and children, Father's Day can have little meaning who can stir ill-feeling.
For me it is time to reflect of the art and responsibility of being a father. All my children are home now for the summer - the first time in a long time with 2 returned from university. I am enjoying this season of parenting. The children are older, considering their life plan, learning how to budget their Student Loan, beginning to make big grown up decisions. Here are some of my reflections about being a father to those in their 20s:
- Keep talking. They still need to talk about things.
- Use good questions rather than instructions or nagging.
- Ask them gently, at a good time about every area of their life.
- Help them make a decision without making it for them.
- Help them take responsibility.
- This is a time to step further back.
- Keep praying with them and for them.
- Continue to demonstrate physical affection.
- Do something special with them.
- Let them know you love them and are proud of them.
- Love is spelt T-I-M-E.
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