'Be An Example To Your Children'

One of the most challenging things for fathers is the fact that our own behaviour is on show to our children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The old adage 'Do what I say, don't do what I do', just doesn't cut it anymore. Children listen to what their parents say initially, but don't absorb it if they see the parents doing the opposite of what has been stated. This sends confusing messages to the children, and erodes parental credibility.

We can't teach the children not to swear, if we constantly swear in their presence. We can't teach them not to smoke, if we are going through a packet of cigarettes a day. We can't teach them not to drink alcohol if they constantly see us with a beer in our hand. Whatever we want them to be, we have to be.

The truth of the matter is that in many instances our children will do what we do, rather than what we say.

Warm Regards
John Nolan
Dads Uni

(Philippians 3 v 17)
¹⁷Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 

(1 Timothy 4 v 12)
¹²Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.