Welcome to day 4.  Let’s review what we’ve covered so far.

L – Love (everything starts here)

A -Attitude

B – Best Effort

C- Courage

D – Discipline

E – Encouraging

F – Faithful

G – Gracious

H – Helpful

I – Imaginative

The mind is a beautiful thing.  We were made to create.  Children love to use their imagination, but sometimes modern conveniences can get in the way.  YouTube, TV, Xbox, or a variety of other fun (but distracting) things can slow down your child’s ability to be imaginative or creative.  Many kids minds are consuming more than they are producing.  Take the time with your kids for creative play when they are young.  Stretch your imagination as well.  Be curious about the world with your kids.  Encourage them to explore.  To wonder.  To read.  To study.  To dream.  When your mind is engaged new and wonderful things that otherwise would remain hidden open up to you.  The future depends more and more on ideas to grow.  Being imaginative and innovative isn’t just about having fun, but a practical tool for their adult life ahead.

J – Joyful

Time with your kids should be joyful.  As the father you can set the tone for the family.  Let them see that you can enjoy life.  That life together is an adventure.  Dive into the activities your kids like doing.  Have fun with your kids.  Laugh often.  Try new things.  Don’t take yourself so seriously.  You can decide to have joy.  It’s a choice, not a feeling.  When you choose joy the feelings will follow, but it starts in your head.  When there is joy in your home your family will want to be together and stay together.  Make joy a priority.

K – Kind

I will admit that the word kind can sometimes sound so weak, especially to a man.  But let me make the case for why kindness is so important for dads to teach.  Our world can be extremely harsh.  It can be a cold and lonely place for many to live.  Many people didn’t choose these harsh conditions.  We must teach our children that we are not the center of the universe.  Other people aren’t actors in a story about us.  It doesn’t take an ounce of energy to be selfish.  But kindness is powerful.  Compassion is strength when no one else will stand for the weak.  Gentleness is strength when no one else will give to the hurting.  Tenderness is strength when no one else will listen.  We can have a huge impact on others through our kindness.  We can literally change someone’s world.  Show your kids the power of being kind.

M – Modeling

Your kids are watching every move you make.  What you do trumps what you say every time.  Be aware of what message you are telling your kids through your behavior.  Is it consistent with the values you are trying to teach?  You are a role model to your kids whether you like it or not.  Be a good one.