The Man and His Wife (Part 5)

If given the choice, most of us will prefer our mother to our father; because she was more affectionate, more loving and more available than our father was in our growing years. The bitter truth is that we men are also doing little or nothing to win the hearts of our children, as they grow under our tutelage.

Man will retire from everything, and everything will retire from man – except his family. When friends, money, property, businesses, age and health begin to withdraw their support as old age falls on one, ONLY wife and children will be left. When all else has failed and retired, nothing will be left except FAMILY.

All attainment and property will sum up to nothing – when age and health start failing, all that man will be left with are his wife and children.

What are the things women do that secure the hearts of their children forever (and which make most of us love our mothers more than our fathers) that men don’t do?

Men can never compete with women when it comes to winning the childrens hearts, but we can do our best to ensure that the children will regard us as the best father there is

1. Always listen when they talk.
2. Explain your decisions and tough stance on issues. Never assume they will understand you with time sadly, many will never.
3. Be friendly but firm. There is no place for a lion in the house. Be gentle yet firm. Be a good friend to your children.
4. Always treat their mother well. Never insult or abuse a woman in front of her children. That is too much for the children to swallow.
5. Create time for stories – Bible stories will be ideal for Christian homes.
6. Occasional outings as a family will promote family bonding. It doesn’t have to be every time, but it should be as often as you can afford it. It must be family time – you and your wife must be part of it, not just either of you with the children.
7. Lead by example. Never lose your integrity before your children and the trust they have in you should be well guarded. A breach of trust can be difficult to correct.
8. Always ask for their opinions on family matters, especially those that affect them directly. Your decision will always be final, but give them some opportunity to have some input. That way, you are building their self-confidence and self esteem. Children love it when their voices count in family matters.
9. Be interested in their friends and studies.
10. Be their life coach. A coach never condemns instead, he gives room for mistakes and corrects in love.
11. Let them know you are praying for them. It makes them feel well protected, and they won’t forget you for it.
12. Encourage them to sit around you in the sitting room, and always display romantic affections to their mum in their presence. When children know you love their mother, you indirectly engrave yourself on the slate of their hearts and they will keep you there.
13. Etc.

None of us will retire into loneliness in Jesus Name. Amen!

Olumofin, Kehinde Benjamin writes for Praying Parents Prayer Group Christian Ministry (3pG).