Influence

Whenever you hear of someone doing a great thing, you may be sure that behind it somewhere is a great background. It may be a mother’s training, a father’s example, a teacher’s influence, or an intense experience of his own, but it has to be there or else the great achievement does not come, no matter how favorable the opportunity.—Catherine Miles

Fathering helps self-esteem

A study by the British parenting research project Tomorrow’s Men found that fathers who spend a few minutes each day one on one with their sons greatly increase their sons’ chances of growing into confident adults.

Of the boys who said that their fathers spent time with them and took an active interest in their progress, more than 90 percent fell in the “can do” category, whereas 72 percent of the boys who said that their fathers rarely or never spent time with them fell into the group with the lowest levels of self-esteem and were also more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems.

More surprisingly, the study found little difference between the positive effects of good father/son relationships in two-parent homes and homes where the father was absent (as in divorce situations) but nevertheless took time with his son. Similar studies have found that in a father’s absence, another father figure such as a stepfather, uncle, grandfather, teacher, or mentor, by assuming an active role, can have an equally positive effect.

Put high expectations in front of [young people]. Give them love. Give them support. They will succeed.—Said Sewell

The greatest sermon

A farmer had an unusually fine crop of grain, but just a few days before it was ready to harvest, there was a terrible hail and wind storm. The entire crop was demolished. After the storm was over, the farmer and his young son stepped outside. The little boy looked at what was formerly a beautiful field of wheat and, with tears in his eyes, looked up at his dad, expecting to hear words of despair. Instead he heard his father softly sing, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” Years later the son, now a grown man, said, “That was the greatest sermon I ever heard.”

Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.—John Crosby

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Proverbs 20:11 ESV / Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

Matthew 19:13-15 ESV / Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV / Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.