Responsible Father

Dads, do you want to help your kids memorize Jesus’ words? Go find out about the new Sermon on the Mount Fighter Verse Song CD !

It’s available on Amazon and iTunes.

Dads, when a family member challenges you or point out a problem in the way you’re acting, don’t (only) think,

“How can I defend against this?”,

rather, think -

“How can I learn from this?”

or

“Is there something helpful and true in what this person is saying?”

Are you trying to get your kids to do something fast? Tell them you’re going to time them. Even a two year old, who doesn’t really understand the concept of time, can be encouraged by the words, ‘Let’s see how fast you can do this!’

Dads, has the weather been below zero for a  
number of days?

Bring your kids on an ice hike!

Some additional suggestions:
- Point out that they can see how thick the ice is.
- Choose a lake which is not filled with ice fishing.
- Dress warmly.
- Bring Kleenex for runny noses.
- Don’t get too freaked out by the booming sounds
coming from the ice. You’re probably perfectly safe! Probably!

- Tell your four year old to walk on the snowy parts, it’s less slippery.

I’ll just also note in passing that apparently I’m really bad at formatting pictures on a blog post.

Dads, don’t throw away bananas! Peel them, put them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer.

When you have enough, throw them in the blender with whatever flavor you’d like to add and make banana shakes.

They taste great.

Dads, in the event that you’re getting a present for a child, or there is a surprise birthday party coming up, or [Fill in your legitimate reason for keeping something secret], teach your kids:

One of the important aspects of keeping a secret is not letting the other person know that you have one.

Dads, give yourself permission to not spend a lot on your kids Christmas presents.

Dads, teach your kids that it’s okay to keep and use things even after they are no longer perfect looking.

Dads, one thing you might try with your kids this season is to have them list something they are not thankful for, and then work out with them where the good is in it, or where good might come from it, or how it might serve to glorify God.

It may also be helpful to try this on yourself.

Dads, hug your child every day. Tell them you love them every day.