Fathers In the Family

    Hello everybody, This week I am going to talk about the importance of fathers and their roles in the home. Reading the articles "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling" (Elder L. Tom Perry, April 1,2004) and "A Fathers Impact on Child Development" (Children's Bureau, May 12, 2023) Along with my own personal experiences, I have come to know that the father's role in the family is to be the head of the family, a teacher, a provider, a supporter, and a protector. 

    The first role of the father in the home is to be the head of the family. In the talk by Elder L. Tom Perry, it says, “Fatherhood is leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so; it always will be so. Father, with the assistance and counsel and encouragement of your eternal companion, you preside in the home. It is not a matter of whether you are most worthy or best qualified, but it is a matter of [divine] appointment.” In other words, being the head of the family does not mean that the father is controlling of everyone, but he is to help guide and lead the members of the family in the best way possible. 

    The second role is to be a teacher. In my own experience, my father has taught me so many things that I could have only learned from him. For example, he taught me how to be a hard worker. The way he has done this is through example. He has always shown me what hard work is and has given me opportunities to work hard through service to others in need.  

    The third role is to be a provider. Elder L. Tom Perry says, "The Lord has charged men with the responsibility to provide for their families in such a way that the wife is allowed to fulfill her role as mother in the home." By the father being the provider, this not only allows the wife to fulfill her role as a mother, but it also allows each family member to succeed in their roles in the family.

    The fourth role is to be a supporter. There are many ways a father can support his family other than financially. Which is by supporting his child's dreams, and by simply loving them. This can help benefit a child throughout their whole lives because when a child feels supported and loved by their father, then they are likely to be more successful in life. In the article, "A Father's Impact on Child Development", it says, "Children who feel a closeness to their father are: twice as likely as those who do not to enter college or find stable employment after high school, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, 80% less likely to spend time in jail, and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms." This clearly states that a supportive father can make a huge difference in the development of his children's lives. 

    The fifth role is to be a protector. A father can protect his family mentally, physically, and emotionally.  An article called "12 Way's Dad's can Lead Their Children", says," Loving here refers to unconditional love—your love for them is not based on their actions. Protect by guarding your home against any damaging influences or external dangers. Lead through selfless sacrifice, giving them your best even when life seems to be weighing you down." In other words, to protect someone is to love them. 

    Fathers are like the corner stone of the family. They provide, protect, lead, support, teach, and, most importantly, love.