On Being a Father – Or Loving One
I am a 7th Degree Blackbelt, an MBA, an entrepreneur, a business owner, leader, veteran, biker, author, a consumate student and mentor, and the list goes on and on. I am sure you wear many hats as well.
But of all the roles and goals I’ve been called to, none is as rewarding or important as being a dad.
I am the proud father of my 3 boys, and another grown son and daughter I gained through marriage.
I am blessed by and committed to all of them. Of the many callings God assigns in His guidebook, I believe the call to “raise up a child in the way he should go” is one of the most important.
I don’t profess to be perfect at it. Like any and all other things, all we can do is do our best.
In my humble opinion, there are a few things we can do in addition to the minimum requirements if our fathering goal is excellence, as mine is.
They are these:
- Be there for them. Our kids need to know that they have a father figure they can come to with anything, and to play with, laugh with and grow with.
- Let them know they are loved- unconditionally.
- Lead, first and foremost through example, and also through instruction and discipline with love.
- Equip them.
- You see a lot going on in the world today that is not as it should be. You also see a lot of people pointing blame and spotlighting the bad behavior of “this generation” or this or that group. It seems almost everyone is adept at pointing out problems but only some truly commited to constructive solution.
- Fathering is a part of that solution, and what we are called to do as fathers is to equip our kids with confidence, competence, focus, discipline, self esteem and leadership, relationship and life skills so that they grow up to be positive, healthy, happy and contributing adults.
- Thank you too for allowing KMMA to be a partner in helping with these.
This blog is in no way meant to disparage or leave out anyone, and especially not the single mom trying to make it on her own.
It is meant as a shout out and as encouragement and edification to fathers, grandfathers and others stepping up to try be the best they can be in filling this important role.
Happy Father’s Day from Team KMMA!
Grand Master Stephen J. Del Castillo
Founding Master Instructor, KMMA
and Dad
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