Why Dads Matter

When I asked kids why you love their dad a couple of years ago, the number one answer was because he wrestles with me.  The more research I have done, the wrestling part is HUGE in the life of a child.  According to Focus on the Family, playing with dad daily and roughhousing helps children develop self-control.  Attacking dad on the couch helps kids with problem solving skills.  Wrestling dad to the ground also develops self-regulation skills.  Sons with good and playful relationships with their fathers handle stress better!  Over and over experts advise you to put your phone down and wrestle your kids every day!  I know my girls squeal with delight when they see dad ready to play.  It helps get the frustration out and ends in giggles.
 
Fathers have the most power to change a child’s life spiritually. They also can be a strong force in breaking the old cycles of negligence and help keep family history from repeating itself.  The statistics are overwhelming on the spiritual side.  94 percent of saved dads lead their ENTIRE family to Jesus Christ!  When dad takes faith seriously, all of the kids follow.  When dad serves regularly in ministry, the kids also follow in outstanding numbers!  When fathers are irregular to church, 60 percent of kids drop out.  When fathers don’t attend at all, ONLY 2 PERCENT of kids attend church as adults!
 
Jesus calls us to minister to the orphans and this includes spiritual orphans.  Spiritual orphans do not have believers as parents. Spiritual orphans are around us at church, in our neighborhoods, and even in our extended families.  The sad statistics are that only 1 in 4 kids live with their paternal father!  On average dads spends only 7 minutes per week with their child, uninterrupted!  Dads make a huge impact by stepping into the role to reach spiritual orphans.  Stepping into that role can broaden the influence of a good father to other kids, and other generations and be used mightily by God.  I have seen the difference when a dad steps into a room of spiritual orphans hungry for his attention and direction.  What better way for them to understand God the Father who loves them and wants what is best for them?
 
Dads, you matter!
Dads, you influence the future in a mighty way!
Dads, you hold the power to point kids to Jesus and change their lives!
Dads, keep up the good work!
Dads, get down on the ground and wrestle those kids!
Dads, you are valued and loved!

-Katie Jones
Former Children’s Director