Fathers

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It is easy to overlook the importance of fathers. Too often, fathers are seen as mere providers, a distant figure in the home, or nothing but a large child. But the truth is that fathers play an important role in the well-being and development of their children and families and community.

The presence of a father in the home provides a sense of safety and security for children. Fathers are natural protectors, and their presence can help children feel secure and loved. In a study conducted by the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with both a mother and father in the home reported higher levels of self-esteem, better social skills, and better academic performance.

Fathers also provide a much-needed emotional support for their children. Fathers can help their children develop a healthy emotional life by providing love, guidance, and discipline. Fathers can also help their children learn to express their emotions in a healthy way. This can have a positive effect on a child's physical and mental health. Barna studies show that the best chance that a child will have the same values as his parents is if he has a father growing up who shows emotional support, is present.

Fathers are also role models for their children. Fathers can show their children how to be responsible and how to work together as a family. Fathers can also help their children learn valuable life skills and values such as respect, responsibility, and hard work.

Fathers can also serve as a source of financial support for their families. Not having a Father in the picture is one of the number one indicators that someone will live under the poverty line. Fathers can also help their families plan for the future and save for college and other important life events.

Finally, fathers can provide their children with a sense of identity. Fathers can help their children understand their heritage and family history. They can also serve as a source of pride and joy in their children's lives.

In short, fathers play an important role in the well-being and development of their children and families. They provide physical and emotional security, serve as role models, offer financial support, and help their children develop a sense of identity. Fathers are essential to the health and happiness of their families, and we should all recognize and appreciate the value of a strong father-child relationship.

All of the above are reasons enough to make a great case for encouraging men to be the best fathers they can. If you are a Christian, know the reasons just keep on piling on top of each other. Your fatherhood is a reflection of God the Father’s love for us. What picture are you as a Christian father painting of God the Father by your behavior? I see some really great Christian dads doing a great job. It really is not as time consuming as you may think. What it takes is being present. Present at least at some of the sporting events. Present at the dinner table. Present in your house of worship. Almost all of this can be done without saying a word.

For Christians and non Christian Dads, it all goes by so fast and if you can make time for your children now it will pay 100 fold dividends in the future. If you had a good dad, be very thankful and keep the tradition going strong. If you did not have a good example for a dad then be the change and turn your family history positive starting today. Moms are working hard to keep the children alive and clothed and fed and emotionally well. Dad, be the memory maker. Find the opportunities(e.g. Movie nights, Long weekends, summer breaks, community events) to make those memories that provide needed fun diversions from the routines of life.

Looking for mental health resources?

National Resources

Call or text 988 & you'll be connect with mental health professionals through the Suicide and Crisis

Lifeline

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Regional Resources

Crisis Response of Southeast Minnesota

Phone: 1-844-CRISIS2, 1-844-274-7472

Text: “MN” to 741741

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Southeast Regional Crisis Center: 507-322-3019

Goodhue County Resources

Your local school Counselor or School Psychologist

The Mental Health Coalition of Goodhue County resource website: www.gccfc.org