Two Institutions: Making Memories Not Regrets

I’m sure that by now you gentlemen out there are probably worn down from all the fatherly advice that seems to come to a head this time of year. I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah this morning and even he commented that it seems like mothers day is for praising mom and that fathers day is for preaching at dad. Well, I’m going to leave the preaching to others for a moment and see if I can share with you some practical and fun ways to invest some time and love into your kids.

Raising children is obviously one of the most difficult endeavors known to mankind. If you do it right it requires love, patience, self-disciple, time, tears, lots of prayers, and lots of money. It doesn’t have to be full of gut wrenching. On the contrary, there are several ways for you to actually enjoy your kids and have fun with them. I remember my dad taking my brother and I fishing when we were young. Sure he had to teach us to be quiet and have patience but we had fun and we got to clean and cook the fish we caught when we got home. There is no rocket science to this. In fact it doesn’t really matter what activity you do as long as you are spending undivided time with your children and letting them know that you love them. If, however, you need some ideas consider the following…

For Dads with daughters:

Have a father/daughter date night - You can go out to eat and see an appropriate movie, go shopping, bowling, or just have a long walk at a nearby lake or park.

Bake Together – I know this may sound silly but hey you get to have fun together and then you get to eat. How cool is that.

Wash the Car – That’s right I said was the car. This activity lets you spend time with your daughter, get a clean car, and make your wife happy to boot. Genius!

For more ideas see this article from focus on the family: A Date With Dad

For Dads with sons:

Get outdoors – There is no better place to transfer manhood and rediscover your own heart than in the wild somewhere. Camping, hiking, fishing, or hunting. It doesn’t matter just get outdoors.

Build something together – Men are natural builders. We got this straight from God who is the master builder. Don’t be in a hurry, or try to be perfect; just have fun and do it together.

Sports – Shoot some hoops, play a round of golf, or just have a foot race. We men like to compete; it’s in our blood. Just be sure that you take it well if you loose and be gracious (at least somewhat) if you win.

For more ideas consider a book entitled The Dangerous Book For Boys recommended by Dr. Al Mohler.

Most of all remember that most older pastor/dads if asked would never regret having spent too much time with their kids. Don't make regrets, make memories.