My blog today will focus on fathers and the importance of them in the home and family unit. 

     “Some see the good of fatherhood in social terms, as something that obligates men to their offspring, impelling them to be good citizens and to think about the needs of others, supplementing “maternal investment in children with paternal investment in children. … In short, the key for men is to be fathers. The key for children is to have fathers. The key for society is to create fathers.”5 While these considerations are certainly true and important, we know that fatherhood is much more than a social construct or the product of evolution. The role of a father is of divine origin, beginning with a Father in Heaven and, in this mortal sphere, with Father Adam” – Elder D. Todd Christofferson

     Fathers are crucial for the development of children and helping their children become great adults.  Fathers provide stability and security to their families and provide physically.  Fathers can be a great example to their children, especially their daughters.  When there’s a good man at home who puts his wife first, treats her properly and loves her, his daughters will see a good man and learn from his example.  They will compare boys they date to their father and want someone who treats them like how their mom was treated by their dad.

     “Your child’s primary relationship with his/her father can affect all of your child’s relationships from birth to death, including those with friends, lovers, and spouses. Those early patterns of interaction with father are the very patterns that will be projected forward into all relationships...forever more: not only your child’s intrinsic idea of who he/she is as he/she relates to others but also, the range of what your child considers acceptable and loving.  Boys, on the other hand, will model themselves after their fathers. They will look for their father’s approval in everything they do and copy those behaviors that they recognize as both successful and familiar. Thus, if dad was abusive, controlling, and dominating, those will be the patterns that their sons will imitate and emulate. However, if a father is loving, kind, supportive, and protective, boys will want to be that.”¹

     Fathers are responsible for their performance in their family duty.  “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.” – The Family Proclamation To The World.

     “The title father is sacred and eternal. It is significant that of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that are given to Deity, he has asked us to address him as Father” (Father, Consider Your Ways [pamphlet, 1973], 2).  In my own life, I can see the importance of having a father.  My dad is a great man, hardworking and very dedicated to providing and caring for his family.  He’s example impacts me every day of my life.  I want to be a better person, son, husband, and father because of my Dad’s example.  I believe that family life can be happier with a mother and father working together to provide for their children and caring for them.  Children will be happier and show forth greater respect to friends, and all aspects of society and community life.  

    

1)      Gross, Dr. Gail. “The Important Role of Dad.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 12 June 2014, www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-gail-gross/the-important-role-of-dad_b_5489093.html.