Dads - Taking Your Kids to the Show

Today approximately 19 million American children are growing up in homes without their fathers. And in many families, for many reasons, fathers are emotionally absent. The adverse effect this is having on our children will repeat itself if something is not done. It is time we take our kids to the show. There are three shows I believe every child must see.

First Show – Show them they are valued.

I will never forget the first time I held my son in my hands. With tears running down my face I thought to myself, “I have never held anything more precious than this.” And he hadn’t done anything. Actually he had cried and made a mess on the scale while they were weighing him, but other than that he had not done a thing.

He was the most valued thing I had ever held be cause he existed. Not because he got good grades. Not because he played the right sports. Not because he could sing like an angel. Just because he is my son he is valuable.

Some place along the way we stop viewing them as valuable and start placing their value on the things they do. We have to stop seeing what they do and value them. We should not stop being concerned about their actions but if we worry more about them knowing we value them we will have less to be concerned with on how they act.

Second Show – Show them they belong.

All of us want to know that we belong to something rather it is a family, a club, a gym, a team, etc. Our children need to know a deep sense of belonging.

Start by making sure they have traditions at home. Eat dinner together, if not every night than as often as possible. Ask them about their day and listen. Tell them about your day.

Designate a special family night where your children have a strong input on what activities you do. Play board games or go out to the movies but make it about what they want to do that night.

Third Show – Show them they are loved.

When was the last time you looked your children in the eyes and said those three fantastic words, “I Love You!”? Such a simple phrase yet it becomes so difficult for us to use. Every day you need to make sure you tell your children that you love them. Then show them.

Kids spell love – TIME. They want you to spend time with them reading, playing, singing, laughing and just being together.

Men, it is time to slow down and take your kids to the show!

(Dennis Tooley is the founder of Catch with Dad – a program designed to promote responsible fatherhood. He is also a Christian Comedian and Motivational Speaker. Visit http://www.potentialunlimited4u.com )