10
Ways for a Dad to Say "I Love You"
to His Children when He is Away from Them
Children need fathers. No matter how old the child is or how bad the
relationship has been in the past. If you, as a father, have
relinquished the reins of guidance because of absence you need to step
back into the picture. Many men are uncomfortable mentoring,
guiding, teaching and yes, loving their own children. they assume
that the step-dad, teacher or coach will step in to teach their sons the
ways of male-dom.
Being
a Dad is a sacred calling and the minute your sperm connected with the
egg, you were committed to being responsible. You also have a
calling to support and encourage not only your children, but those in the
community, to grow and develop their talents and abilities.
Absent-Physically,
Emotionally and Spiritually?
In
my work as a parent educator, I see many men who are confused about how to
show love. Many are absent in the lives of their children and want
to connect but don't know how. Some feel that because they left the
child or family and moved on, then so did they. No, the child has a
hole in their heart for the love of a Dad and needs to know you care.
The
child may rebuff your efforts or act as if they did not care, but they do.
They need you to validate them as important people. Here are some
simple ways to connect and say I love you when you are not in their lives
daily.
-
Start
calling them once a week. If you say you will call on Thursday night,
then do it. Model how mature people keep their promises.
-
Drop
a card in the mail. It can say "thinking of you."
-
Instead
of writing a letter, if that is hard for you, make a recording of you
telling a story.
-
Send
a gift package of little things they enjoy. What is their favorite
kind of gum, candy, magazine? Ask them, then send them a love pack.
-
Have
a copy made of a photo of them and write on the back why you miss
them. In fact make copies of a lot of photos and send to them. They
will enjoy seeing them again.
-
Make
a list of 10 things you admire about them.
-
Make
a list of 10 questions you have always wondered about them and ask
them to send the completed list back to you.
-
Tell
them about your feelings when they were born. Everyone loves to hear
the story of their birth.
-
Send
them flowers or a balloon bouquet at school.
-
Say
the words "I love you and I will always love you." to them.
Parents assume that the child knows they are loved because there is
food on the table and a roof over their heads. But, children
need to be told that the love is unconditional and never
ending.
Begin
Today To Say I Love You
Begin
today to speak encouraging words to the children in your circle of
influence. If you do not know the words to say, then
download
my free book
that
will give you many
examples
of words and phrases to use.
It is a gift to
you as you assume your calling as a Father and tell your children that you
love them.
You
are also invited to visit
my blog for
answers and suggestions which will enhance your relationships. You will
also find a full listing of free tele-classes and radio shows held each
Thursday just for you.
Thanks
for joining our community of caring parents, family members,coaches,
teachers and mentors who want to help raise a generation of responsible
adults.
