Hey Dads! I’m so glad you are here for Episode 11 of the DadCast!

One of the most important roles we play as dads is the role of preparing our kids for life on their own.

As tough as it may be to think about it, one of these days, our kids will leave our home and head off for college, or the military, or a marriage and family of their own. You and I both want our kids to succeed in life.

But why? What is our motivation for seeing our kids succeed? Why do we want them to become the best people that they can be, that God has created them to be?

Looking at our motivation for raising our kids to be successful is what Episode 11 of The DadCast is all about!

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Episode Notes

DadCast Encouragement

You and I both want to be the best dads that we can be. But why? What is our motivation? What is the why behind the what?

Because we want our kids to be successful. Right?

First of all, let’s define “success.” When I use this word, I don’t mean that our kids will become the leaders of Fortune 500 companies, making millions of dollars so that they can fund their parents retirement. That’s not what I mean.

Sure, it would be nice of our kids become successful in that way. But I think it’s more important that our kids view themselves as successful no matter where they end up in life. If my son becomes a zookeeper, I want him to feel fulfilled in that role. If my daughter lives her life as a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her own kids, I want her to see that as a success.

Do I want my kids to be agents of change in their lives? Of course I do! But I want them to be a leader and an influencer no matter where God places them for their lives.

Looking at my own motivations, I see ten areas why I want my kids to be successful. And I want to share those with you.

Dadhood Resource

• Raising Great Kids
• Raising Great Kids – Parents of Preschool Age Kids Workbook
• Raising Great Kids – Parents of School Age Kids Workbook
• Raising Great Kids – Parents of Teenagers Workbook

Other resources mentioned in this episode of The DadCast

• Rapha House
• JAARS

How To Be A Great Dad!

Let’s look at our motivations. Rather, I want to look at my motivations for developing my kids into what God wants them to be. But in looking at my reasons, I suspect you’ll find that your reasons are similar, probably very similar.

So why do I want me kids, Hannah, Lydia, Titus, Jadon, Abigail, and Jude… Why do I want them to be successful? Why do I want them to develop strong character, a sense of what’s right, and leadership capabilities?

Looking at my life, I found ten reasons. And I want to share them with you.

1. Because I see their skills and gifts
2. Because I see the needs around them
3. Because I want to give my kids an edge
4. I want them to reach their potential
5. Because my kids are hungry
6. Because I want my kids to be influencers
7. Because my kids, and their friends, are set to be difference-makers
8. Because we are at a crossroads in history
9. Because I want to leave a legacy in my kids
10. Because I want to give them a foundation of faith

I know there are more, but many of them are variations of these ten reasons.

Show Your Kids Today That You Love Them!

What’s the point? Why does this matter? What can I do to instill these reasons into the day to day dadhood of my life and family?

Here are few ways that we can influence our kids and help them become who God has created them to be.

I believe that these are so important, that I will be looking at these in more detail in the next episode of The DadCast. But here is a quick list.

• Help your kids know who they are. Help them to see who God has created them to be, their gifts, their talents, their passion, and their skills.
• Help your kids develop those gifts and skills. For example, I mentioned that Hannah has a desire to reach the lost as a missionary. Now that I know that, I strive to place opportunities before her from which she can grow in that desire.
• Help your kids find their passion. Just because one of your kids is good at something doesn’t mean they enjoy doing it. Help them find that one thing that gets them excited. And them help them to grow in it.
• Help your kids see people as God sees them. Learning to value others is the first step in being able to meet their needs. Helping your kids develop this trait will be a key part of their entire lives.
• Help your kids develop endurance and perseverance. Many of the things in life worth doing are hard. Help your kids develop the skills need to stick to them.
• Help your kids learn to give their best. As my dad and grandfather were always fond of saying, if anything is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Teaching your kids to pursue excellence will give them a jump start over many of their peers.
• Help your kids grow in their faith. Create an environment in our home that rests on the foundation of Christ and his Word. Help your kids learn to trust God for the big things in life, as well as the small.

These are just a few of the things you can do to be a positive influence in the lives of your kids. These are just a starting point.

I would suggest that you sit down with a pen and paper and think through your own motivations. Ask yourself why you want to invest in your kids lives. Write down every answer that comes to mind. Many may be similar, and you can refine the list later. But start off by writing down everything you can think of.

When you examine your motivations, you can see both the good and the bad reasons for why you do what you do. And after identifying them, you can work to enhance the good and eliminate the bad.

Summary Question

What are your motivations for investing in the lives of your kids? What would you add to this list of ten? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Be deliberate, Dad!

 

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