To Preside
Fathers hold many responsibilities
within a family. “Fathers are directed to take upon themselves the
responsibility of spiritual leadership in family life. A father’s
responsibility to preside occupies the first and foremost duty among the varied
obligations that rest upon men in family life. The manner in which a father is
to exercise spiritual guidance among family members is “in love and
righteousness.” The family should come first before all other worldly obligations.
As previously mentioned, my mother and father are divorced. I did not grow up
with a father in the home but now I am married and realize the importance of my
husband presiding in our home. My husband works and is a student. He is in
school full time and I appreciate how he sets time apart for family,
work, and school. I also know that he works and goes to school, as many other
fathers do, for the benefit and further progression of our family.
To Partner
Both a father and a mother are
needed to raise children. Men and women are different and have diverse gifts
and talents. Therefore they complement each other not only in marriage but also
in parenthood. “Parenthood was framed as a joint partnership within the context
of a committed relationship between husband and wife, as father and mother.”
“To partner in fathering is to accept the responsibility of rearing a child in
cooperation with others, particularly the child’s mother, and to assist and
give support in doing the work of nurturance, love, and guidance in a child’s
upbringing.”
To Be Present
Fathers as well
as mothers need to develop a bond with their children. President Howard W.
Hunter explained, “A father’s leadership in family life requires both quality
and quantity time and that fathers give their time and presence in their
social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities.” Present
fathers bring security into the home for children. Being present and
continually responsive to children’s needs and desires in life needs to become
a lifelong commitment.
To Provide
“A fundamental
principle of fathering includes meeting a child’s temporal needs and making
opportunities for him or her to grow and develop.” I believe that children can
learn the importance of work through their fathers. Fathers can teach their
children that you simply do not get something for nothing. I think there is a
growing trend of parents providing every want for their children. Children who
are given everything they want will continue to want for the rest of their
lives. Fathers can teach their children that they must work hard for what they
receive. I believe that as fathers teach children how to work; working can
instill accomplishment and success in children currently and in the future.
To Protect
“The context of
preparing a child for the outside world and instilling a child with needed
skills and knowledge sets up yet another fundamental principle of fathering, to
protect a child from harm and also equip him or her to both avoid and manage
life challenges.” Children look up to their fathers as they set the example. Fathers have
the ability to share wisdom and teach values to their children which will
remain with them through adulthood and as they begin their own family. As
children see their fathers using skills and knowledge to make correct choices
in life children will follow that example and will be more able to manage
future life challenges.
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