5 Ways I Can Improve My Dad Skills
If someone asked me to rate my skills as a dad on a scale from 1-10. I would quickly say that hopefully I’m a 5. I say this because I have plenty of room for improvement. In fact, the only reason I can choose a five is because many dads have zero involvement in their kid’s lives. Also, I know many great dads that I could learn plenty from their example. So, here are the top five areas I hope to improve in as a dad to my four boys.
#1 Life Example
I try really hard to live by example, but I can certainly grow in this area. I need to show my boys more consistently how to treat their future wife. I need to show them more consistently how to lead their future family physically and spiritually. My kids needs to see Jesus in me more than hear Jesus from my lips.
#2 Listening
As my kids reach adult years I’m realizing the need to listen more. It doesn’t matter if they are saying everything right or wrong. They need to know I value their thoughts. They need to know I’m trying to love them in an understanding way. How can they feel I understand them if I never take the time to listen? I’m trying not to be so reactive and defensive over my stance. After all, they have things they need to process too.
#3 Communication
Now, if I can improve the listening it should help this area. I firmly believe there is always a better way to communicate things. We can be so quick to share our opinions that we treat them like they are stupid. Honestly, I’m finding my kids are smarter than me in certain areas. I must make sure I don’t force my way upon them. My attitude and approach matter just as much as the truth delivered. I really feel the need to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Otherwise, I know careless words will just fly back and forth.
#4 Learning From Others
I realize there are no perfect parents. But, we can certainly learn from other parents’ experiences. Whether it be dealing with specific issues or challenges. Whether it be learning how to deal with each type of personality. There is always a parent out there that has already dealt with a similar issue. I plan to do some growth reading this year to improve as a dad.
#5 Praying For Them
I could have easily listed this as the greatest need for improvement. There should be nothing in their lives I’m not lifting up in prayer. I should be asking them frequently how I can pray for them. I need to not only pray for them more, but with them. My kids need divine protection daily. They need to know their greatest battle will always be spiritual. I need to be praying more for them before they even learn to consistently pray for themselves.
Now, I share this list to say I’m far from a perfect dad. However, everyday is a new day to strive for improvement. I don’t want to be an average dad. I long to be a great dad. With the help of my perfect Heavenly Father I know things can improve.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14
Pastor Craig Crosby 