Fatherhood Qualities: Role Model, Dependable, Patient, Honest, Trustworthy, Forgiving, Consistent
Six Fatherhood Qualities You Must Have
A father’s role is vital in the development of children. He must be a role model and set good examples for his children to follow.
He should also be a dependable person who keeps his promises. He should also be forgiving of his children’s mistakes. These fatherhood qualities are not easy to accomplish.
1. He is a role model
A father is a role model when he models the values he wants his children to learn. This includes being dependable and following through on his promises.
He also models a good work ethic and treats others with respect. He teaches his children to respect people and property, especially his own family members.
He solicits help to disciple his children and places them in environments where they will hear God’s truth from other godly influences. This includes Sunday school, camp experiences and mission trips.
2. He is dependable
A father is dependable. He shows up to school events and meetings, he doesn’t cancel tutoring sessions for his children, and he doesn’t let work get in the way of his family time.
Children need to know their father cares about them and that he’ll be there for them. Fathers who make it a priority to invest in their children’s lives reap the benefits of an intimate bond that deepens day by day. They also teach their children to be dependable and trustworthy.
3. He is patient
From teaching kids how to shave to disciplining them, a father is patient. He knows that discipline may seem painful for the moment, but it produces peaceable fruit in the long run.
He is also patient and forgiving toward his children, knowing that they are still learning and growing and that they will make mistakes. He encourages, comforts and urges them to live lives that please God. – Thessalonians 3:13, 14. Byron Smith is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and engineer, husband of 40 years, father of three and grandfather of four. He is a national speaker and founder of Helping Fathers Be Dads.
4. He is honest
A good father is honest with his wife. He tells her how much he loves her and is willing to take on household chores without complaint.
He also teaches his kids to be honest with others. He knows that being dishonest can be dangerous and encourages his children to seek out truth in all situations.
He also realizes that people and times change over time. For example, he may not agree with his teenage son’s decision to get body piercings or talk about sexual urges.
5. He is trustworthy
A father is a reliable man who is there for his kids. He is not afraid to discipline his children in a reasonable manner that helps them learn and grow. He knows that his discipline may be painful for them, but it will yield long-term benefits.
He loves his kids, whether he is playing baseball with them or watching them dance to SoCal ska music. He is not afraid to sacrifice his own dreams and passions for theirs.
6. He is forgiving
A father must be forgiving with his children and their mistakes. He must love them selflessly as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This includes loving their wife and respecting her decisions.
For example, if his wife notices a pattern of sin in their son, a sober-minded father won’t get defensive or react emotionally. He will receive her insights with grace, gratitude, and humility. He will then work to wisely shepherd his son.
7. He is consistent
Whether or not you are with your kids, your character and who you are as a father can have an influence. Consistency is key in this area.
A consistent father gives his children the confidence and security they need to explore and challenge themselves in the big world around them. They know he will be there for them, even when they make mistakes. Keeping promises is important as well. If your children find you to be inconsistent, they will lose faith and trust in you.
8. He is honest
A father will never lie to his children. If he does, it’s because he’s trying to teach them the value of honesty. Attempting to entrap them with leading questions or rising volumes will only make the situation worse, and it will give them a distorted sense of ethics to factor into their own contemplated behavior in the future.
Although it’s impossible for a dad to excel at all of these qualities, they should work towards them and love their children unconditionally.