I am a dad. I have been now for over 8 years. And I suppose I don't know just everything there is to know about being a dad, good bad or otherwise.
I have learned a couple of things though.
My wife, Susan and I had been married for about 6 years before my daughter, my oldest child Andrea was born. I cut the umbilical cord and almost immediately began to wonder how I was going to teach her. How could I lead her. How was I going to be the all knowing FATHER figure, I was sure I was supposed to be.
I wondered if I would have the wisdom in me to guide her through life's biggest decisions.
How could I lead her as she chose a career when I still wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I grew up?
How could I instill in her the wisdom necessary to choose a husband when my own wonderful marriage was a series of happy accidents, blind commitment and amazing providence.
How could I help her find her way spiritually and morally. The questions I anticipated were just so DEEEEEPPPP! And I was just so shallow.
I know now that you start with the small stuff.
When Susan and I first found that we were going to have a baby, I got involved. we read books. We went to Lamaze classes. I was going to be the amazingly capable husband and coach in the delivery room. When the time came, I was barely able to stand up at the head of the delivery bed, hold Susan's hand and keep from passing out.
When we had our second child, Alizabeth , I was more experienced. I was a little more capable. When our son Steven arrived I was an old pro and when our fourth baby came to us the doctor actually told me I would have to move over so she could perform the delivery instead of me. I still think I could have delivered Abigail myself.
When you first become a parent, you start with the diapers and learn to protect your baby and allow them to grow. What I learned is that you can grow with them.
You don't have to know how to guide their career choices. You have to teach them to finish what they start and to love a job well done.
You don't have to teach your children to wisely choose a spouse, you have to let them know that they have intrinsic worth with or without Mr. or Mrs. right.
You don't have to answer all of the big spiritual and moral questions. You have to teach them to love God and to love others.
If you can start with holding your wife's hand and keep from passing out, you can move on to the big stuff when you're ready
Steve Brummet is a communication expert, writer and speaker who works with all types of organizations to increase understanding of communication styles.
Better communication can help you and your organization reduce stress and increase productivity. For more information on one of our workshops, please feel free to call or write.
http://www.communicationspeaker.com
http://www.communicationspeaker.com
972-548-6048
214-578-4172
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do... Read More
The big yellow school bus is coming down my road... Read More
Becoming a stepmother can undoubtedly be one of the most... Read More
Part of the responsibility of being a father is to... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More
Many parents struggle with solutions to put their child on... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
Q. Our 17-year-old son wants us to let his girlfriend... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
Most of us recognize the continuing escalation of violence around... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More
'And all because of a damned cat! It's only a... Read More
In dealing with children with autism spectrum disorders, its all... Read More
What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More
"There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More
Just a couple of years ago Annie helped her parents... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..Young people generally want to fit in to their various... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
How would you like to have more time? Of course... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
For every season, check, check, check, There is a chart,... Read More
AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common... Read More
"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God, and... Read More
It was at that time when our marriage was falling... Read More
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But... Read More
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
It's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
Parenting |