Fathers

Fathers play a crucial role in the family. Some families have great fathers, some good, and some just plain bad, but no matter what type of father the family had, that father has left an impact on the family. Many people didn't grow up with a father. Some grew up with an abusive father, and others grew up with an absolutely devoted stud of a man that loved them and provided for them. With modern society changing its outlook on gender and specifically gender roles, fatherhood has had a bit of a turn around in its definition of what fathers do for the family. I'm going to list some roles that a father should fill to have a great impact on his children and spouse. Now, this is just my opinion and this doesn't limit the roles a man has in his family, but these are just some of the things that come to mind. Another warning, if a spouse needs to fill in a role, for example, a mother becoming a provider, is totally acceptable in my eyes, and nothing is wrong with that.

Finally, let's get into those roles! There are four roles that I personally want to fill, and what I think a perfect father would fill. These roles are: first teacher, second presider, third example, and fourth provider. 

Let's get into the first role of teacher. I personally believe that God is our Heavenly Father, which means that we are His children. I also believe that God is all knowing and has taught us everything we know at some point in time. With that all being said, I believe that our earthly fathers should follow in our Heavenly Father's footsteps. Fathers should be teachers. Teaching their children the way of life is essential for them to become the best they can be. Some of the most important life lessons that I've learned came from my father. He didn't sit me down, and he stood at a whiteboard and taught me math, but he taught me how to be a man, how to provide, how to love, and how to be there for other people. He taught me how to become the best I could become. That is what fathers should be teaching their children. Now, I'm not saying fathers can't teach math, but what I am saying is it is crucial for fathers to tap into their child's potential, not only tap into but expound and bring it to light for all to see. 

The second role that a father has is that of a presider. The father is the head of the household along with his wife. All the rules and regulations of the home should go through both of the parents. The father presides and is the authority in the home. The father should take the lead in family discussions and prayer and help anywhere he is needed. Service is a key principle when it comes to presiding. Fathers shouldn't be dictators; they should be working with the family in an equal environment but with authority and kindness. 

The third role is an example. Children should be able to look at their father and say that they want to be like him. Children learn so much from their fathers! When fathers are that good of an example to their children, the children will become better people in the future. My father is a great example of kindness, hard work, and respect. Everyone he meets, he treats them with respect and doesn't judge them from the beginning. These traits are important to me and help me become a better person. 

The fourth and final role is that of provider. Fathers should provide for their families, not just financially but with all things that are temporal, food, water, shelter. Fathers should also provide their families with spiritual and emotional help. When a family member is having a hard time emotionally, the father should provide a helping hand to get past the hardship. On the financial side, if providing, fathers should do anything in their power to keep the family afloat. Fathers should be engaged in providing for all the needs of the family.

So, this is first what I want to become as a father and what I personally think a father should be. I probably missed some roles that a father has, but these are the ones from the top of my head. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day!