Nurturing Fathers

I’ve known a lot of guys who think nurturing children is mom’s job, not dad’s. Fatherhood should be about strength, they say.

I agree, but instead of picturing a bouquet of flowers, picture a mighty oak tree. It’s the tree’s strength that allows it to provide and protect and nurture the wildlife around it.

That’s fatherhood. Nurturing dads have strong character, but a gentle spirit that enables them to handle discipline issues without criticizing or being harsh. Even when consequences or discipline are necessary, nurturing fathers don’t bury their children in condemnation. They help their child back to their feet and encourage them forward with confidence.

Nurturing fathers also put in the time and energy to build strong relationship with their children. They take interest in their kids’ interests and help them learn from their experiences.

Dads aren’t usually portrayed as nurturing. And that’s a shame. Because fatherhood is often the very definition of nurturing. It takes a man of true strength and character to invest his life in his kids, to build a solid relationship with them, and to guide them as they grow into mature adults with character and integrity.