Parenting with WisdomSample

FIGHT FOR YOUR KIDS There is a crucial attribute to fatherhood that many dads overlook. It’s the readiness to do battle for the heart and mind of their teenager. The epic World War II battle of D-Day occurred on June 6, 1944. The night before, American paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines to cut off Nazi reinforcements. Astonishingly, some of the soldiers were later found relaxing in a farmhouse, partying with liquor they’d discovered in the cellar. Many historians have expressed bewilderment that these men – by simply landing in an area untouched by battle – could somehow forget there was a war going on. Then again, maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised by the behavior of these men. After all, many of today’s fathers suffer from a similar lack of awareness. There’s an unseen battle at work against a teenager’s heart and mind. And many dads don’t seem to recognize it. Teens are being stalked by everything from pornography and sex, to school bullies and drugs. But as long as all seems quiet on the home front, many dads lose themselves in sports, hobbies, or their career and assume their teenager is fine. But, quite often, they’re not. That’s why teens need men of valor, who will fight for their kids’ heart and mind – men who will be a source of strength and work to instill biblical values throughout the confusion that so often characterizes adolescence. Dads, engage with your teen and get involved in their life because this is one battle you can’t afford to sit out. For a daily dose of encouragement and perspective, check out Jim Daly’s blog, Daly Focus, at JimDalyBlog.com.