Fatherhood Resource
Fatherhood Thoughts

Parenting is hard. Full stop.

There is no parenting hack or trick that can alleviate the tiredness, constant needs, continuous cleaning, or bottomless snack pit-stomachs.

The day to day demand of a parent is like no other challenge I have experienced in life. And I'm not even the stay-at-home parent!

With each month, week, or even day, it seems there are new challenges brought to the surface. Children cycle through phases as they learn and grow. Some welcomed and exciting, others more difficult.

In the midst of the struggle, it's easy to get caught up in thoughts of:
"I'll be happy when he sleeps through the night."
"I just need school to start again soon!"
"I can't wait until. . ."

Today I challenge you to resist the thoughts of accelerating time.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read full Encouragement Article here:
https://www.theintentionalfather.com/post/bitter-moments-sweet-memories

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

#parenting #parentingtips #parenthood #father #fatherhood #dads #fatherhoodunplugged #dadblog #parentingadvice #firsttimeparent #firsttimeparents #positiveparenting #parenttobe #fathertobe

In honor of you tired men that show up daily, I'll keep this brief.

Here's to you gents.
Thank you for being Present and Intentional in your child's life.

Happy Father's Day.

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

I've wanted to write this article for a while now.

My reason for delay? Insecurity.

Insecure in my "ability" to pray out loud. Anxious feelings and thoughts of how it would be received:
- Am I saying the right words?
- Am I using enough Christian or Biblical words or verses?
- Am I praying long enough?
- Did I cover all I should have?
- I feel like I'm rambling too much.
- I don't feel like I'm saying enough.

Recently however, I realized I'm not alone.

This is why I am finally writing this article. To Encourage Men, Husbands, and Fathers to utilize one of the most powerful tools the Lord has given us, to pray out loud.

This article talks through overcoming insecurities of praying out loud, how to utilize the Bible to help you pray, and ends with simple prayer examples as a Man, Husband, and Father to get you started.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read Full Encouragement Article here:
https://www.theintentionalfather.com/post/praying-out-loud

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Prior to writing this article, I did not have a Fatherhood Mission Statement.

I've had thoughts and a basic understanding that I want to be a "good" dad. For example, as a father, I want to:

Teach my boys right from wrong by making intentional choices and involving them in the process.
Show them how to be kind and loving towards others through my daily, personal interactions.
Guide their hearts towards the Lord by praying out loud and having intentional conversations about my faith.
Instill a solid work ethic by working until the job is done, not when I'm tired.

However, thinking about this now, these are all the "whats" & "hows" I plan to accomplish my mission of fatherhood, but not the "why" itself.

This idea comes from Simon Sinek's (@simonsinek) book, Start With Why, where he refers to this concept as the Golden Circle. While the book is focused on business and primarily analyzes the success of Apple versus its competition, the concept can be applied to multiple aspects of life.

Once we shape, form, and believe our "why", we give purpose and understanding to our "whats" and "hows".

Today, I want to challenge you to develop your Fatherhood Mission Statement.

Define your "why" as a father.

Then, think through your "whats" that support your "why" and "how" you will accomplish them.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

Read Full Encouragement Article at:
www.theintentionalfather.com/post/a-fathers-north-star

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather

Today, we express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the amazing mothers out there.

Without you, we wouldn't have the incredible privilege of being fathers. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Thank you for your unwavering love.
Thank you for your seemingly unending patience.
Thank you for your daily strength.
Thank you for your continuous thoughts of all the things you are constantly doing!

You are the rock that holds our families together, the source of comfort and support when we stumble, and the guiding light that illuminates our path as fathers.

Your selflessness, sacrifices, and devotion inspire us every day.

Whether you are a biological mother, an adoptive mother, or a stepmother, your impact on our lives and the lives of our children is immeasurable.

Happy Mother's Day to all the extraordinary women who make fatherhood possible.

Today and every day, you are cherished and loved beyond measure.
#MothersDay #GratefulForMothers

These thoughts are so natural in parenting.

Each phase of your child's growth brings different challenges, some more difficult than others. It's easy to get caught up in wishing this phase would pass.

But as you look back, within every phase there are always moments that you will miss.

You won't miss the sound of a crying baby in the middle of the night, but you will miss snuggling him back to sleep.
You won't miss being woken up so early in the morning, but you will miss the sound of those little feet sprinting across the house.

Don't rush the now, embrace it. Find the joys in the struggle.

Like most of the posts I write, I'm writing this one as a reminder to myself. With a 5 year old, 2 year old, and 2 month old, these thoughts have crept in my head.

"I can't wait until we get these kids out of diapers."
"I can't wait until dinners are easier and not a complete mess."

But right now, more than ever, is the time to find the joy and embrace the little moments.

Soak it up, don't wish for the time to accelerate.

- Chad Vrla
Founder of TheIntentionalFather.com

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather