Fatherhood

The Power of a Good Father

Growing up, I had a great relationship with my dad. He traveled quite a bit in my teenage years, but he often took my mom and I with him. I always knew he was proud of me, and I never, ever questioned his love for me. In fact, I learned that I had to be careful about mentioning anything I wanted, or my dad would move heaven and earth to give it to me! I have always been independent and confident in my ability to take care of myself. Thinking about it as an adult, I know that the security my dad provided helped me to develop those qualities. 

I recently read a talk given by Ezra Taft Benson entitled "To the Fathers in Israel". This is a fabulous guide outlining the expectations for a righteous father. In this talk, he outlined 10 things that fathers should to do be the spiritual leaders in their homes.

"With love in my heart for the fathers in Israel, may I suggest ten specific ways that fathers can give spiritual leadership to their children:

1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.

2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are.

3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare.

4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad there makes all the difference.

5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children.

6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where Dad puts his priorities.

7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. Establishing mission funds and education funds for your children shows them what Dad considers to be important.

8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever.

9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit.

10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom."