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Pry open the door of communication. But how can you talk to someone who won't talk—someone whose language consists of seven phrases: I dunno. I don't care. Leave me alone. I need money. Can I have the car? My friends think you're unfair. And, I didn't do it. Prying open the door of communication with an angry adolescent can require more tact and skill than any other parenting assignment.
Literally, within a generation, the culture in America has turned upside down, and our kids are standing at ground zero. What was right just ten years ago is now seen as wrong and vice versa. How do parents in this environment raise their children to change the culture and not become victims of it?
Have you ever heard a husband, wife, dad, mom, or grandparent say, "Because that's what families do?" This comment usually precedes an act of sacrifice, unconditional love, or an outpouring of grace to another family member.
I'm not a huge New Year's resolution guy. However, as a new year begins, it is another opportunity to raise the bar in my effort to be the best dad I can be. I'm also reminded that the opportune time to pour into my sons and daughters is limited to a couple of precious decades. This is not to say I can't still influence my older children, but those initial years while my kids are still at home are critical ones. By God's grace, if I can help influence and shape these formative years, my children will have a great launching point as they prepare to build their own lives and families apart from me.
The mission of introducing one's children to the Christian faith can be likened to a three-man relay race. First, your father runs his lap around the track, carrying the baton, which represents the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the appropriate moment, he hands the baton to you, and you begin your journey around the track. Then finally, the time will come when you must get the baton safely in the hands of your child.
Question: Dr. Dobson, is there a way I, as a father, can influence my daughter's attitude toward boys? If she chooses to marry, she will need to understand men and know how to relate to them.
Let's look more closely at what constitutes "a good family man" in today's world. To put that in perspective, it might be helpful to examine four traditional roles that men have played at home.
Question: Dr. Dobson, what has been your greatest challenge as a father? What did you learn from it?
The passion I feel for the subject at hand is related to the daughter who still calls me Dad. Danae is grown now, but I love her like I did when we were first introduced in the delivery room. Somethin
Scripture calls men to step up, and be responsible, godly leaders in their homes. Dr. Dobson welcomes to the Family Talk studios, Dave Jeffers, author of the book Man Up!: What the Bible Says About Being a Man. Dave talks about the lessons God taught him through a tumultuous divorce and the painful loss of his son.
