10 of the Greatest Gifts a Dad Can Give His Children

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

The most important gift you can give your child as a dad is your presence. You need to show up and be present in their lives. Your being there shows your children how important they are to you. I have witnessed firsthand the impact on families when fathers are absent. Countless studies have shown the impact of having a father present in the home. According to the Institute for Family Studies, for boys, having a dad present improves graduation rates, increases their career outlook, and even reduces the probability of ending up in jail. There are also significant benefits for girls. The Journal of Family Psychology highlights that when dads are present, girls have higher self-esteem, perform better in school, have improved social skills, and have lower rates of depression and risky behaviors. So, dads, show up in your children’s lives. No child is looking for the perfect father, but they are looking for the present father.

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." Proverbs 14:26

When my daughter was younger (she is now twelve), we couldn’t get her out of our bed. I tried and would often complain to my wife that she needed to go to sleep in her own bed. While she eventually left, now and then she likes to try to sneak back. The reason she wanted to be there is that she felt protected. In her mind, my dad is here, so nothing is going to happen to me. Your role as a dad is to be a shield from physical and emotional harm. That’s another reason your presence matters so much. When your child feels protected, it gives them the confidence to explore and grow. When this happens, home feels like a haven and a place of shelter where everything will be all right because my dad is watching over.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

One thing every father should do is provide for his children. However, provision is not just about providing for physical needs, such as food and shelter. Yes, those things are important, but they are just the beginning. Provision can also mean guidance, opportunities, and ensuring they have the tools necessary to succeed in life. Also, provision does not mean you give them everything they want. That is not a good idea. Provision means you give them everything they need. Remember, the model is our Heavenly Father; he does not provide all our wants, but he provides all our needs.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16b

Prayer is the secret weapon you have as a dad that can cover so many of your individual faults. As a dad raising your children, there is a lot to pray about. You can pray for your kids' salvation. If they are saved, then pray that they grow in their relationship with Jesus. As you pray, you can lift their future direction in life, that God would give them wisdom in the choices they make, and even that God would watch over them. While you may do your best to be a protector, you are not with your children every moment of the day, but God is. In the culture we live in today, where there are so many influences, your prayers are crucial in the lives of your children. I would add one more thing. Don’t just pray, but encourage and even teach your children how to pray. This way, even when you are not there, they can call on the one who always is.

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"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love." Psalm 145:8

It is no surprise that children will make mistakes. However, so will you. Children will test boundaries, and sometimes they will fall outside the boundaries. When they do, these are teachable moments to reciprocate to them the love and grace God shows to us. This does not mean you don’t discipline, but you do so from a place of love that is patient, kind, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Just remember that God is patient with us, and it is in this understanding that we grasp what grace and mercy are all about. This will also help your children, giving them room to learn and grow from their mistakes.

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The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. - Proverbs 18:21

For many children, there is nothing like the affirmation they get from their dad. This can build their self-esteem and literally speak life into them. The challenges of the world are hard enough on their own; that’s why you must celebrate their efforts and achievements. I add in affirming their efforts because sometimes they may put in great effort, but not get the result they are looking for. So affirm the effort and celebrate even the minor victories. This can make them feel like a champion and motivate them to keep striving for greater things.

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

The role of a dad puts you in the role of a teacher, and the classroom is life. As a dad, you need to teach your child how to live this life as a follower of Christ and as a decent human being. As a teacher, it is essential that you not only say these things but also live them. So, be a model of integrity and live out the values you want them to have. Instill in them a moral compass that always seeks to do the right thing, even when it may not feel good to do it. By instilling proper values and principles, you help shape the character of your children, which will have far-reaching benefits long after you have finished raising them.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Ecclesiastes 3:1;4

Being a dad does not always have to be so serious. Life should be about enjoyment as well. Learn to laugh, be silly, play games, and create a fun environment for your kids. Are there serious issues we must deal with in life? Of course. However, being playful shows that life is not always about work and responsibilities; sometimes you can just let your hair down (assuming you still have some) and enjoy each other’s company.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

As your child grows, they will have goals, dreams, and aspirations. Many times, what they search for is someone who will support them in their pursuits. You can and should be that person. This does not mean you rubber-stamp every crazy idea, but it means you provide a sounding board and a partnership in their pursuits. Help them navigate the world of what is possible and align their lives with God’s plan for them. Imagine the joy that comes from helping your child discover God’s will for their life. This will probably rank as one of the most satisfying accomplishments of your life.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20

As wonderful and challenging as life can be, it is only temporary. Life is not about acquiring things, but about living this life with the reality of eternity in mind. That’s why emphasizing their relationship with Jesus and storing up treasures in heaven are critical. One day, all that we see will pass away, and what a comfort to know that you have not only prepared your child for this life but for the one to come.