Stay Close to Your Child

This phrase, once a true badge of honor in our culture, has almost gone into obscurity. “Good” refers to widely accepted moral values. “Family” points to a purpose large than the self. “Man” acknowledges a norm of masculinity.

Sadly, contemporary culture “no longer celebrates a widely shared ideal of such a man who puts his family first,” says Dr. James Dobson.

Traditionally, the four roles of a good family man are to serve as:

• Family provider: the one who makes sure his family’s financial needs are met.

• Leader of the clan: the one who makes decisions rooted in his deep love for God, for his wife and for his children.

• Protector: the one who cares about his wife’s honor and his children’s safety.

• Spiritual leader: the one who takes his family to church and teaches lessons of faith to his children.
  

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On This Topic

• Introduction • Protecting the Emotional Health • If Your Child Is Struggling Emotionally • The Breakdown of the Family • Fathers and Their Child’s Faith • Fathers and their Child’s Behavior • How Moms Can Stay Close to Their Sons • The Importance of Dinnertime • Praying with Your Child • The Power of Modeling • Defining “Good Family Man” • The Power of Specific Instruction • The Bible’s Instructions for Moral Living • Teaching Respect for Girls and Women • What Does It Mean to Parent? • Teaching Your Child How to Work