Fatherhood Resource
Fatherhood Thoughts

In my short experience in parenthood, I have been challenged with many situations dealing with my three wonderful, wild, crazy, goofy, awesome, stressing, challenging, and perfect children.

I wanted to reach out to all fathers and parents today on the difficult situation of dealing with sick kids.

I hope you have extra sheets, probiotics, Gatorade-Pedialyte, carpet cleaner, new underwear, multiple boxes of children’s Tylenol, heat blankets for tummies, and vomit buckets handy.

- Jerod Post
Contributor at TheIntentionalFather.com

Read Full Encouragement Article here:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/love-to-parents-with-sick-kids

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Have you ever intentionally thought about the kind of father you want to be for your children?

I would argue that most men have not and simply make it up as they go, relying solely on their unintentionally developed notion of what a father should be: i.e. their father.

While in some cases, this may not be a bad thing, but why do something (especially something of such significance) without intentionality, simply because it is what you understand to be normal?

Today I challenge you to re-evaluate your thoughts and stance on what it means to be a father.

What kind of father do YOU want to be?

Then, the most important part, act. Take a step towards the father you intentionally want to be for your children.

Don't only have the "want to" of change and action. Act. Be present and intentional every day.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read More at:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/normalize-fatherhood

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Many times I have discussed instilling confidence in your children. Confidence is the vaccine to inadequacy. It prevents insecurities from creeping in. Doubts about our self and self worth diminish.

What @mariannewilliamson is talking about here is the ultimate confidence booster.

We are all children of God. How is it possible for us not to have infinite confidence in that alone?

I first saw this quote when reading @ryanmichler's book The Masculinity Manifesto. He references it to make the point that we are all born to shine and with that born to lead others as well. However, he takes issue with one point of the quote and I would agree. He says, "The only point I take issue with is that I do not think we are frightened by our light, but frightened by others' perceptions of us when we decide to shine it." (p.26).

There are times we make decisions or act based on how "others" will respond. In some cases, the "others" are our wife, family, or mentor, and it is good practice to listen and digest what they have to say. However, most of the time, it seems as though "others" refers to acquaintances or random internet trolls that have zero bearing on our life.

All this to say, shine your light. Why not you? As you take strides towards your goals, others will see this and be encouraged to do the same. As Williamson says, "As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

It is truly remarkable how fast children grow and change in front of your eyes. From the way they learn to how they play, what they enjoy to how they feel or show love. This list goes on.

One item in particular is how they react and respond to discipline.

It is the role of the father to train and morph your children to be a civilized member of society. Respecting authority, listening and obeying, being aware of others, not focusing only on yourself.

The effects of poor discipline can alter a child's life, even from a young age. "If a child has not been taught to behave properly by the age of four, it will forever be difficult for him or her to make friends. . .This matters, because peers are the primary source of socialization after the age of four. Rejected children cease to develop, because they are alienated from their peers. They fall further and further behind, as the other children continue to progress." (Jordan Peterson - 12 Rules for Life p.135).

Peterson also goes on to talk about how if you don't take the time now and put in the effort to properly discipline your children, then the world one day will. And you can bet the consequences will be much worse than a time-out or a smack on the rear.

After depicting the harsh future reality of an entitled, undisciplined kid, he ends his parenting chapter with this, in regards to proper discipline: "There are no greater gifts that a committed and courageous parent can bestow" (p.144).

Fatherhood without loving and proper discipline is not fatherhood.

Continue Reading at:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/discipline-evolution

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Fatherhood has undergone a significant change in recent decades.

I recently came across a study, done by the Pew Research Center, that shows fathers today are spending more time with their children than ever before! It peaked my interest, so here are the highlights I took away from it, along with my thoughts.

Read Full Encouragement Article Here:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/now-trending-fatherhood

Be present and intentional each day. Do not allow yourself to get complacent. Then, go encourage and challenge your friend and neighbor to do the same!

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Having your children hear you pray can work wonders in their hearts. But many Father's are not confident in praying out load, especially not in front of their kids. One way to start to overcome this is to say little prayers.
A prayer doesn't have to be a certain length or have any fancy words. It can be as simple as "Today is a beautiful day, thank you, Lord".
There is no wrong way to pray. Don't get caught up in the specific words, feel like it has to sound a certain way, or anything along those lines. Especially if you don't normally pray out loud, start small. It's learning a new skill. You can't expect to be running full speed the first day you stand up. Give yourself grace and keep it short. The Lord knows what's in your heart.

-Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read More:
www.theintentionalfather.com/intentional-moments-1/little-prayers

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather