CoffeeKid's Journal

Mentoring

A common sight in this world today is the single parent family. This creates a hardship on the family as a whole especially on the children.

I’m no expert or have all the answers, but I feel children do best when they have both parents to give them love and support.

At times the father will act as a mentor. What is a mentor, you may ask. A mentor is a wise and trusted counselor, supporter and teacher.

The father will instruct his child with his words and actions, showing the child how to do a certain task and explaining each step along the way.

For example a father teaching a child to say a prayer at meal time, may first explain that we are to give thanks for that which we receive from God. Then discuss with the child how we receive everything from God. Explain how prayer is communicating with God. And then say a prayer as the child listens. Ask the child if he understands or if he had any questions. And always be open and honest with the child. After doing this a few times ask the child to say the mealtime prayers. Praise the child’s efforts and courage.

A father should always make time for the child. Spend time with the child, and make it special, playing catch, fishing, go for a walk anything to share time with them. Reading bible stories is a great way to spend time with your child, asking them what they think it’s saying about the person in the story. Talk with them letting them know that they can come to you with anything. Let them know where you stand on certain topics. Ask them what is going on in their life, school, and friends whatever it may be.

Fathers much always remember that there are eyes upon them. His child is always watching and knows when the father doesn’t do as he says.

A father should never make a promise he can’t keep, and keep every promise he makes. This shows the child how to be trustworthy and honest. A mentor does not force but does encourage this will show the child about problem solving.

If the father does make a mistake, and he will, he should not excuse it but explain it to the child. Even ask the child how he would have handled it. This shows the child that you believe in him. It will give him confidence to take on larger tasks.

As a father I feel that it’s a blessing to be a mentor. Watching as the child grows and succeeds, and being there for him if he should happen to stumble. Children naturally want to please their fathers and when the father show an interest in the child the bond grows even stronger.