Ephesians 6:4, “And fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Holman CSB)
Back in the formative years of my adult life I spent way too much time Rocking and Rolling and the rolling consisted of me running away from my duties as a husband and Dad. But by the grace of God and a few miracles, I have had the opportunity to rebuild my life and slowly but surely I’ve Rocked my way into become the “Rockâ€Â my children and wife deserve.
10 Nuggets in becoming a Dad-Rock:
1. Seek first to be all God wants you to be each and every day. Pray for His help in becoming a Rock. Keep HIM at the core of your Rock.
2. Treat your wife like a princess.  Keep in mind the treatment of your wife is indirect treatment of your kids.
3. Take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually and be the person you want your kids to be. Talk is cheap, walk is a valuable asset. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want your kids to know or do (thanks to my college roomate’s Dad-Vic for this nugget).
4. Never stop growing; you can only lead your kids as far as you’ve led yourself.
5. Include your family in on your dreams…become a team.
6. Let your kids’ dreams be their dreams; be present and provide support and guidance along the way.
- Supporting and guiding does not include controlling, beating them, idolizing or being their best friend. Supporting and guiding means being “present” even when you aren’t there physically by knowing and being interested in what is going on in their life. Supporting and guiding also includes building a big enough playing field with “values and principles” as boundaries in order for them to safely and effectively live life and chase their own dreams. Make sure you get off their playing field once they get out on their own…the values boundaries you created will most likely remain…you won’t know unless you let go.
7. Work hard to provide for the family but never let work divide or come in the way of the family.
8. Make sure your kids witness you laughing often; especially at yourself.
9. Make sure your kids witness you praying often; especially for others.
10. Love and help your family and your fellow man without conditions.
…you only get one shot at raising your kids
…strive to always be their Rock and not to roll*Â Â
P.E.A.C.E.
*Led Zeppelin’s 2nd to last line in Stairway to Heaven..
P.S. Thanks to my Dad Joe and Father-in-law Jim for being great Rocks to follow!
