Tony Dungy on Fatherhood
As I mentioned before, the pastoral staff is reading Uncommon by Tony Dungy and discussing at our weekly staff meeting. The book has already prompted some great discussions. Today I wanted to share some quotes from Tony on what it means to be a good dad. I hope these quotes encourage and challenge you.
"And today fatherhood remains one of the critical foundations for the health of our current generation and for those that will follow."
"I worry that we've forgotten what it means to nurture our children, believing that as long as we provide financial support, the mothers of our children can provide whatever emotional growth our children need. I strongly disagree. Strongly."
"Be there for your children! Too many young men and boys are growing up without a male role model in the house to show them what it means to be a man."
"Studies have shown that the father's relationship with his daughter will be the primary predictor in the success of her marriage, relationships with men, and her sexual behavior prior to marriage. . . As for our sons, if there is no father to model proper behavior for them, they will never learn what it means to be a man or a father."
"In any event, you may find it tough to be there every evening for dinner, to attend your children's activities or to tuck them in at bedtime--all of which are important to the healthy development of your children."
One of the best quotes in the chapter: "Just because you've erred doesn't mean you're out of the running to be a good dad."
"Be intentional with your words."
"Our children are smart-they will notice if we are living lives that are inconsistent with what we're saying and teaching."
"If they see that work and status--above your family--are what drives you as a man, then no matter what you say and how many times you say it, they will learn to value those things as well."
"Our children need to know that we're always there for them, no matter what."
"Even if there's nothing special on the agenda, they need to know that we've chosen to be in the room or in the house with them, over all the other interests competing for our time."
"We need to take advantage of the opportunities we have today. Life is what happens when we're making other plans."
The following sentences close the chapter and is a great challenge to us as fathers: "But I wonder if we all need to do a better job of listening to that gentle whisper from a God who daily reminds us to enjoy the sacred moments with those we love--with dear friends, with those who need us, and especially with our precious children. They are moments we will look back on with either regret or a smile. Either way, the memory will last forever."
"And today fatherhood remains one of the critical foundations for the health of our current generation and for those that will follow."
"I worry that we've forgotten what it means to nurture our children, believing that as long as we provide financial support, the mothers of our children can provide whatever emotional growth our children need. I strongly disagree. Strongly."
"Be there for your children! Too many young men and boys are growing up without a male role model in the house to show them what it means to be a man."
"Studies have shown that the father's relationship with his daughter will be the primary predictor in the success of her marriage, relationships with men, and her sexual behavior prior to marriage. . . As for our sons, if there is no father to model proper behavior for them, they will never learn what it means to be a man or a father."
"In any event, you may find it tough to be there every evening for dinner, to attend your children's activities or to tuck them in at bedtime--all of which are important to the healthy development of your children."
One of the best quotes in the chapter: "Just because you've erred doesn't mean you're out of the running to be a good dad."
"Be intentional with your words."
"Our children are smart-they will notice if we are living lives that are inconsistent with what we're saying and teaching."
"If they see that work and status--above your family--are what drives you as a man, then no matter what you say and how many times you say it, they will learn to value those things as well."
"Our children need to know that we're always there for them, no matter what."
"Even if there's nothing special on the agenda, they need to know that we've chosen to be in the room or in the house with them, over all the other interests competing for our time."
"We need to take advantage of the opportunities we have today. Life is what happens when we're making other plans."
The following sentences close the chapter and is a great challenge to us as fathers: "But I wonder if we all need to do a better job of listening to that gentle whisper from a God who daily reminds us to enjoy the sacred moments with those we love--with dear friends, with those who need us, and especially with our precious children. They are moments we will look back on with either regret or a smile. Either way, the memory will last forever."
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