10 Ways Every Father May Be a Blessing to His Children

Esau and Isaac

“Do you have but one blessing, Father?” asked Esau of his father, Isaac. “Please, Daddy, is there not a blessing for me, too.”

And Esau broke down and wept. (Gen. 17:38)

It’s one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in all the Old Testament. Esau, first-born son of Isaac, was looking for his father’s blessing and I’m thinking, whenever I read this…

“What child does not need…a Father’s Blessing?”

Here are ten simple ways a father may bless, and be a blessing, to his children.

Dr. Steve McSwain is an author, speaker, thought leader and spiritual teacher. His books and blogs inspire spiritual seekers around the world. He is a devoted follower of Christ but an interfaith activist as well. He is frequently heard to say, in the words of Mother Teresa, "I love all religions; but I'm IN LOVE with my own." Read more from Dr. McSwain on his blog Your Best Life Ever.

Make Your Home a Safe Place.

You cannot create a secure home. Ask someone whose home has been robbed. Ask any one of the families caught in the tornado in Oklahoma. You can only ever create a “sense” of security inside your children…an internal feeling of safety and you don’t do that by arming your home with AK-47′s or stockpiling handguns. Instead, you create fearless and wise children by loving them, embracing them, reassuring them that you’re there with them and for them, through thick and thin. You create strength and courage in them whenever you end the constant yelling and arguing with your partner and in front of them. You know what I’m talking about. Put an end to the put-down’s. Calling your children “Losers” or saying things like “You’re a dumb ass!” or “You’re stupid!” may be some of the most damaging stuff you could ever say to your children. Damaging to them when they hear you say things like this to each other, too. How disrespectful. No matter what they face, don’t ever let them face it alone. This creates confidence and security in your children.