The Ministry of D.A.D.S

Here's the abridged version of my advice for D.A.D.S.:

DIRECTION
If you get your direction right, chances are good your kids will get their direction right.  So get in the direction of Jesus.  Give it all to him, and follow him passionately.  Your kids will love you for it.

AFFECTION and AFFIRMATION
You can't love on your kids enough.  But they time they are ready to leave home their "love tanks" should be so full that they will be equipped to conquer the world!  Love them with words, time, service, gifts and hugs and kisses whenever possible!  Yes, both your sons and daughters!

DISCIPLINE
I'll write a separate post on this.  For now, disciplined Dads raise disciplined kids.  Dead beat, lazy Dads, well, pity you and your kids.  We use discipline to foster self-discipline in our children.  Proper discipline always builds, always affirms, always strengthens relationships.

SECURITY
All true Fathers make their home a place of safety and security in a wonderful, but often cruel world.  To be without a safe home in the world is to be lost.

And now, some of my current favorite helps for Dads:

http://familygps.org/
Go to this online survey for children, students and parents to help discover your direction, strengths and growth areas.  It will take 5-10 minutes to answer 40 questions.  8 key areas of family life will be charted.  Numerous resources can be accessed in each of the 8 areas.


Kids of Integrity
Take your family devotions a step further.  This site provided a comprehensive list to character lessons for children and families.  This would be an EXCELLENT site to work through over the summer.

Parent's Prayer Program
A great guide to help you pray for your kids every night.  Mine is tapped up right by my kid's bed.  If I forget to say this prayer at night, my kids will come knocking on my door!