June 18 is Father’s Day. I believe that fathers play an important but frequently unrecognized role in our society today. It certainly isn’t easy being a father in today’s society as fatherhood seems to be attacked from all directions. Nevertheless, I put together a list of what I believe are the most important attributes of a father.
What is a father?
1. He is a creator. He bears the seed for the next generation of human life.
2. He is an example. Children learn not by parents telling them what to do but by their observing the behavior of their fathers/parents. This happens long before the child can even speak!
3. He is responsible for setting the rules which govern his family and disciplining those who don’t follow his rules. Children are born with their own unique attributes but it is up to the father/parents to make corrections if the child is not fitting in with family life.
4. He is the caretaker of his children long after they are able to take care of themselves. This is a difficult assignment as children need freedom to develop and become their own unique individuals but at the same time often need some special guidance or financial help along the way to achieve their greatest potential.
I wish all father’s a happy Father’s Day and that your family truly appreciates what you do for them. Fatherhood is more complicated than what you might have thought!
James R. Bupp