The Father Lens: Helping Your Kids See Who God Is Through Who You Areਨਮੂਨਾ

Your Children Need Your Protection

Yesterday, we talked about presence. Today, let's talk about protection—and why your kids actually crave the boundaries you set.

There's a famous experiment where children are taken out for recess. When there's no fence, they stay huddled closely by the building. But once a fence is put up, the children wander all around the yard and play. Why? Because kids need and crave boundaries.

In Genesis 2, God was doing some serious parenting from the very start, putting boundaries in place for Adam and Eve's protection. He gave them many "yeses" throughout the garden and one "no" right in the middle. There was great peace and protection within those boundaries.

The yeses are the blessings. The nos are the boundaries. Your kids crave and need both from you.

One is easy to give; the other is more difficult. As dads, we get to protect and ultimately disciple our children's hearts through the boundaries we set. Kids naturally resist "no," but they crave someone in their life who will protect their hearts by telling them "no." That someone is you.

The culture around us is actively trying to reset your child's moral compass. So your child needs your protection in many areas, including relationally, digitally, and spiritually.

According to George Barna, a child's worldview is generally established by age 13. Before 13, they're defining what they believe. After 13, they start defending those beliefs. This means we have home court advantage during these critical years when they are still young.

As dads, we must stay present, engaged, and intentional about the condition of our child's heart through ongoing questions and conversations. We must protect them as we prepare to release them.

Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that “reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (KJV).

This sometimes means asking tough questions and making hard choices about who our kids spend time with, how they interact with technology and devices, and what kind of influences we allow or don’t allow to shape their hearts and minds.

Dad, don't be afraid to be "the bad guy" when necessary. Your child's heart is worth protecting.

Be encouraged: You get to protect your child’s heart by supplying their two greatest needs: clear boundaries and unconditional love.

How does knowing that God set loving boundaries for you help you set firm, loving boundaries for your kids?

Prayer: "Lord, give me wisdom to know when to say yes and courage to say no. Help me protect my children's hearts the way you protect mine."

Tomorrow, we'll see how provision and leadership complete the picture.