“A father must love unconditionally. He must love his sons when they have mangled his car, or shamed him by swearing in front of his guests… He must keep on loving even if his daughter arrives with her boyfriend and tearfully confesses that she’s pregnant… His love and support for his wife needs to be obvious, because a parent’s love overflows to the children. It’s all right to discipline, but it must be always done in love - never in anger. If possible, the reason for discipline should be explained before the execution of it. It’s vital that fathers listen. Listening begins when the toddler climbs on Dad’s lap demanding that he set aside the newspaper to listen to prattle that details the joys and disasters of the child’s day. The most precious commodity in the home, it seems is Dad’s time. Children understand a busy schedule and don’t necessarily need more time than Dad can spare. But when he’s with them, he must be all theirs. …The happiest moments for some young people with whom I spoke resulted from time spent with Dad, building a boat, staking tomatoes, or even listening to the books Dad enjoyed reading. He needs to have the courage to let his children take risks. He must train and encourage each child to realize his potential – remembering that no two children are alike. In the ideal home, a father’s relationship with God is important, because a child’s concept of God is based on his father. Young people look to Dad to be the spiritual leader in the home. Finally… a good father is one whose concern for his family is greater than his regard for people’s opinion, his own interests, or getting to church on time.” From: Profile of a Perfect Dad, by: Molly K. Rankin Reprinted in The Theosophical Digest, 3rd quarter, 1993
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:50:39 +0000
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