Fatherhood Resource
Fatherhood Thoughts

Life offers many lessons. While learning from experience is one of, if not the most, effective learning tool, as parents we attempt to forego the potential trials our children will face with intentional lessons.

At best, it will steer them clear of potential danger, frustration, hurt, pain, etc.
If anything, at least we believe it will soften the blow or produce a more beneficial learning outcome once experienced.

Or, it may be for nothing.

Our children may hear us, then wander down the same path all the same.

But the Lord knows I'm going to try.

Here is Part 3 to my attempt.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read Full Encouragement Article Here:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/lessons-for-my-children-part-3

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

“If you are going to make your kids tough, which they better be if they are going to survive in the world, you can't interfere when they're doing dangerous things carefully.”
- Jordan Peterson (@jordan.b.peterson)

As parents, it's natural to protect our children. To remove them from potentially dangerous situations. We know, better than they, the risks of climbing trees, jumping from boulder to boulder, or wrestling with one another.

Our instint is to remind them to "be careful".

But what is careful?
Have they been shown what careful looks like in that situation?
Does that mean you don't think they can do it?

While it comes from the right place, perhaps we can alter the implementation.

Growing up, whether climbing a ladder or tree, walking on a narrow trail or rocks, my dad would say, "Be sure-footed".

A simple saying but implied multiple things all within the "be careful" realm:
1. Think ahead and know your next step.
2. Make sure what you are stepping on is solid.
3. I have confidence in your ability to do the first two by yourself.

Encourage your children to push beyong their abilities.
Build their confidence to do so.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Today, I want to encourage all fathers to initiate an activity with their child. Whether it's reading them a book, playing legos, tag outside, anything.

Have the thought first, before your child asks you to play with them.

Let them know and feel they are a priority to you.

Be Present and Intentional today.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

If you need some activity ideas, check out our continually growing Intentional Activity list:
www.theintentionalfather.com/intentional-activities

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Being a quality leader has definition - Webster states leads definition as; to direct on a course and or in a direction. Leadership is defined; capacity to lead. These definitions have a wide range of subjectivity, but the word and meaning is important to me. My wife and I are to be leaders to our children.

I feel there are strong attributes that leaders should possess. I feel they should be selfless. Selfless in a way to give genuine consistent effort of oneself to those they care for. They should have toughness of mind, body and spirit. They should put their needs behind those they lead in a true sense of altruism, not for personal gain. They are dutifully mission oriented, confident in their skills, but ready to listen and accept additions to the path taken. They should be loyal to their people and to their organization. They should be integritous and have discipline to avoid pitfalls and temptation.

This may sound a bit militant. I will admit It is hard to divulge these teachings from the theater of the United States Marine Corps where I experienced them and practiced them in repeated form. The Marines have many mantras, but one stands paramount primarily in boot camp when young recruits are striving for the title of United States Marine:

Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

- Jerod Post
Contributor at TheIntentionalFather.com

Read Full Encouragement Article at:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/leadership-as-a-father

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

As men, husbands, and fathers, our role is to be providers, protectors, encouragers, problem solvers, care givers, lovers, planners, you name it. There are numerous facets to these titles of our life.

One description however, encapsulates all of these.

We are to be servants.

To serve our family. To serve our spouse. To serve our children.

If we approach our role as men, husbands, and fathers with humility and serve those near to us, the other titles naturally fall into place.

With this in mind, I put together a few thoughts on what it looks like (to me) to serve your family.

In which way do you serve yours?

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read Full Encouragement Article here:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/serve-your-family

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Instant gratification and feelings of entitlement are ever prevalent in our society.

From likes on a post to believing you deserve more likes on a post, sheer work ethic has taken a back seat.

One of my favorite MLK Jr. quotes is: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

While he was talking in reference to finding dignity in any job, these words can be applied to every day life.

Take pride in the work you do, no matter the perceived significance or insignificance.

From your job, to spending time with your children, to washing the dishes after dinner, do every task and face each opportunity with the same mentality: Completion to the best of your ability.

Do the little things well. Continually.

Over time, you will be amazed at the results.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather