Tips on Being a Good Christian Father

(edited from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/238172/) By Allen Bell

1. Give the television a rest and reconnect with the kids. Get to know your kids and what they are up to. You will find playing games and other non-television related activities will develop a closer personal relationship with your kids.

2. Discipline with love and not with anger." My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." - Proverbs 3: 11-12. Discipline is no doubt the hardest thing in parenting for a father. Work with your children to establish boundaries and appropriate punishments for crossing the line. Consistency is the key to discipline.

3. Make a good impression - lead by example. Your children whether you realize it or not observe your daily behavior. Before you expect godly behavior from your children you have to set an example yourself.

4. Teach your children the ways of the Lord. As a father and head of the family, it is your responsibility to make sure your family is God-centered. Children need to learn to apply godly principles to their lives at an early age. This is not only in church-related matters, but also in every aspect of daily life.

5. Treat your children's mother with respect. Your relationship with your wife is where children first learn about relationships between men and women. When your son sees how you treat your wife with respect, it sets the tone in how he will treat women in the future. For your daughters it will set the standard for future relationships with men and will settle for nothing less than respect in a relationship.

6. Do not be afraid to show affection. Your kids need a hug and an "I love you" just as your wife does. "Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." - Luke 15: 17-24

7. Learn patience and forgiveness. Despite your love and guidance, your children will make mistakes. Your children need to know that you will be patient and forgiving. " The mark of a loving parent is the willingness to forgive." - Luke 15: 17-24

8. When your children speak, make sure you listen. You need to understand before trying to be understood. Many fathers do the wrong thing by laying down the law before listening to their children and trying to understand why their child is acting up. You need to carefully listen to your children to understand from their point of view.

9. The most important thing is to love your children. Make sure you tell your children you love them and show them through your godly character (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

As it has been said before, "anyone can be a father, it takes a special person to be a daddy."