Minister’s Corner: A word to fathers

Colossians 3:21 says, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” This verse challenges us as fathers to be careful that we do not crush the spirits of our children. Dads, let’s cut down on criticism and sarcasm in the home. Let’s look for ways to celebrate and applaud what our children do. Let’s give our approval spontaneously so our children don’t have to look for it in the arms of a boyfriend or girlfriend. Let’s catch our children doing things right instead of lashing out at them for what they do wrong.
Here is a simple rule of thumb: For every time you have to point out something that your children do wrong, try to equalize it with a word of encouragement.
I found this quote from a man named Haim Ginott. Listen to what he wrote. It has great insight. “A child learns what he lives. If he lives with criticism, he does not learn responsibility. He learns to condemn himself and to find fault with others. He learns to doubt his own judgement, to disparage his own ability and to distrust others. And above all, he learns to live with the continual expectation of impending doom.”
We want our children to grow up to be healthy, happy, well adjusted adults. As fathers, we have a tremendous impact upon our children. Let’s make sure that we impact them in a positive manner.