How Can Fathers Stay Close to Their Sons?

"DADDY, how do you know so much?" Has your boy ever taken you by surprise with such a question?  At the time, you probably felt proud of being a father.  But if your son went a step further-if he applied your wise counsel and reaped the benefit-your heart no doubt glowed with even greater joy. -Proverbs 23:15, 24.

Over the years, however, has your son's admiration for you remained unbounded?  Or does it seem that as he grows, his regard for you shrinks?  How can you stay close to your son as he develops from a boy into a man? First, let us consider some of the challenges fathers face. 

Three Common Challenges

1. LACK OF TIME: In many countries, fathers earn most of the income  for the family.Often, their job requires that they be away from home for  most of the day. In some places, fathers spend remarkably little time with their children. A recent survey in France, for example, found that fathers there spend on average less than 12 minutes a day caring for their children. 

TO THINK ABOUT: How much time do you spend with your son?  Over the next week or two, why not write down the total amount of time that you interact  with him each day?  The results may surprise you.

2. LACK OF A GOOD EXAMPLE: Some men have had little to do with their own father.  "I lacked contact with my father," says Jean-Marie, who lives in France. How has Jean-Marie been affected?  "It has created problems that I never imagined," he says.  "For instance, I find it difficult  to engage my own sons in meaningful conversations."  In other cases, men know their father very well, but the relationship between Father and son is damaged.  Philippe, 43, says: "My father found it difficult to express affection for me. As  a result, I have to work hard at being more affectionate with my son. 

TO THINK ABOUT: Do you feel that the relationship  you have with your own father affects the way you treat your son?  Have you noticed yourself following your father's good or bad habits?  How so? 

Next time: Continue with How Can Father Stay Close to Their Sons

From the Watchtower magazine, 2011