Good & Healthy Relationship Advice & Tips

A father is the leader, protector, shepherd, organiser, director and a model. Former United States President Barrack Obama in his 2008 Father’s Day speech said among other things that “the father is the foundation of the family”.

 Many studies also show that the impact of fathers on their children could be greater than mothers. The Akans also believe that a father gives the ‘okra’ or the life-force of the individual.

This means the father is the greatest determinant of the health of the family and ultimately society. It is therefore, appropriate that we celebrate fatherhood.

To children

Look back at how you have related to your father and resolve to obey him. You must also honour your father because it is the first commandment of God with a promise; that all will go well with you and you will enjoy long life.

It is said that fathers know best but they are human. No matter how badly your father has treated you, see it as your Maker’s way to make you stronger and wiser.

If your father ignored or maltreated you but you made it, you still have to thank him because it could have been a different story if he had been there to influence you in negative ways.

You must therefore, forgive your father unconditionally, love him and do the best you can for him.

Honour your father this day because if for nothing at all, he is the reason for your life. Find ways to pamper him.

Send a card, share a meal.

Send thoughtful gifts, especially something you know he loves but not likely to buy himself.

Show gratitude by doing something nice in return for all your father has done.

To fathers

As you celebrate the day with your children be enthusiastic about it as a leader and mould your children through exemplary character, teaching, consulting and support.

Provide security: Make it safe for your children to share their thoughts and assure them of your support. You have to work hard to give your children basic needs; shelter, food, clothing and medical care.

It is also important you leave a legacy. It may be physical, good attitude or spiritual.

You need good attitude:  Your unconditional love is your children’s greatest need. Let them know that you love them even when they show bad behaviour.

Treat them equally without favour. Your child may appear to be disrespectful and wasteful but they could also be childish ways of exhibiting  talent.

Your duty is not to give up but to channel these behaviour to something useful. Always remember that every person has a gift. Your challenge is to help your child to nurture his or her talent so they can be useful to themselves, you and society.

The Akans say “obi nnim oberepong  ahyase’’ or you cannot tell who will be successful in future. A child who has a bad beginning can grow to be successful if you show love, care and guidance.

Make time for your children: The more involved you are with your children, the greater your chance of moulding your children’s intellectual and social development.

You therefore, have to work like a team with your wife because fathers play unique and crucial way of nurturing children.

Fatherhood is a gift from our maker but you are responsible for your children who are in temporary trust of you. You are a steward. Give all your care and support. Society will measure you by how your children grow up to be.

Your children will appreciate your sacrifices and turn back to help you when you are old.

Time to celebrate fatherhood

Mother’s Day is a most celebrated event in Ghana, third only to Christmas and Valentine’s Day but we hardly hear of Father’s Day because many children have little or no fond memories of their fathers.

 Many fathers shirk their responsibilities and leave their children to mothers who make all the sacrifices for their children’s development.

And yet when their children make it, they are the first to claim all the honour of good parenthood. We must however, celebrate fathers to remind them of their unique role in the family and society.

 Anything celebrated grows in health. We must, therefore, set this day apart to honour fathers; celebrate fatherhood, parental bonds and the influence of fathers in society.

Appreciate however, that fatherhood is not about biology. It is about any man, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, big brother, boss, guardian, benefactor or spiritual head who acts as a father figure in your life.

 Also, appreciate that without mothers and children, there can be no fathers. Father’s Day is, therefore, a celebration for all fathers, mothers and children. It is therefore, a good time for reflection and resolution for us all.

Save your children. Save the society. Save the future.

Happy Father’s Day!

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