Seven Things Every Father Should Practice

Below is a summary of the seven important points found in Robert Wolgemuth's book She Calls Me Daddy: Seven Things Every Man Needs to Know About Building a Complete Daughter.

Seven Things Every Father Should Practice:

1. Protection
   Your daughter needs emotional protection as well as physical protection, but you cannot control everything, nor should you. How can you help her to spread her own wings?
2. Conversation
   Words are powerful, and your daughter is learning to express herself. Engage her in conversation, and work hard to keep the lines of communication open so that when trouble strikes, she will come to you.
3. Affection
   Take the time to connect with your daughter through hand-holding, hugs and kisses. Nothing has a bigger impact on a little girl than her daddy's love. (Hint: Verbalize your affection. "Hugs" can also be a compliment or a short love note hidden in her backpack!)
4. Discipline
   Every child needs boundaries and rules as well as lots of love in order to thrive. God tells us to pray for wisdom, so do that. And, and don't forget to practice what you preach!
5. Laughter
   Laughter bridges many chasms. Play games, have fun, relax and enjoy the little things in life. She'll remember the laughs you had together for a long time to come.
6. Faith
   Weave you faith into every day life. Let her see your relationship with the Lord. Songs, prayers and memory verses will plant fruitful seeds in her impressionable heart. Her childlike faith may also teach you a thing or two!
7. Conduct
   Character is the end goal. Clearly define truth, respect and obedience, and demonstrate them in your own relationships. Her conduct will follow. And be ready to walk alongside her with toughness and tenderness when it doesn't.

*******

Excerpted from She Calls Me Daddy. Copyright © 1996 by Robert Wolgemuth. A Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers. Excerpt may not be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

*******

You can order a copy of She Calls Me Daddy here.

---