Our children are imitators of everything they see and hear but especially of us as their parents. A bit scary, huh? It sure makes me wonder if I've passed on to my children everything they are going to need to serve the Lord the way they should during their teen and adult years. The outside world longs to get ahold of our kids. As a parent, we must be there for and with them in order to counteract what the world is telling them. We must be intentional about entering into conversations and providing examples which will create the pattern for Godly lifestyles. Our relationship with our children sets the stage for the relationships they will have with their own children and families.
Michael O'Donnell in What a Son Needs From His Dad encourages us to do just that. Among other topics, he delves into how to instill in your child the integrity, self-discipline and motivation to be successful in whatever career he chooses, learning how to enjoy life--both you and your child, and helping your child choose the right friends. O'Donnell even helps out with huge task of sharing the birds and bees with your son. Be aware that you may find some controversial thoughts in this chapter.
Along with each chapter, Mr. O'Donnell provides several questions which would make easy discussion starters for a group of fathers who are looking for a book study that will give them tools to be better dads or for the reader to help them think through the reading and apply it to their life. While obviously written for dads, the principles laid out in this text are very applicable to both parents. The book can easily be read in a day but I would encourage you to take time to digest each chapter. While I think fathers of children ages 2 through 18 would benefit the most from reading this book, it is never too early of late to provide a Godly example of manhood to those you have influence on in your life.
I did receive this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
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