The Power of a Father in a Child’s Life

A child’s development is determined by many things. We know that unconditional love is perhaps one of the most important things a child needs to develop a healthy self-esteem. The healthy developmental stages of life are dependent on good parenting. Good parenting is a combination of modeling respect and love for the children. A secure attachment from birth throughout the years that follow is based on the relationship with their parents. What does a Dad do to make us feel loved and secure? Girls get their self-esteem and self-worth from their Dad early in life. Boys receive their identity from their father as they grow from infancy until adulthood. It’s a big responsibility to be a Dad. It’s not an easy job, but one that can be extremely gratifying.

We need our fathers to teach us the importance of being the best we can be. Those of us who were lucky enough to have been blessed with a father who invested in our welfare will never forget the power of a Father. On this Father’s Day let’s share our gratitude with the Dads still alive to appreciate their worth from their children. For those dads who have passed on, lets remember the blessings we received and say grace for having been their child. For those who have never had a dad, or one that they can honor this day, try to be one for your sons and daughters as you would have loved to have had. The rewards outnumber the trials and tribulations you may have to endure.

Happy Father’s Day to all you wonderful Dads. Mine wasn’t perfect as none ever are, but I miss him every day. I still see his face each night as I close my eyes. His love is eternal. Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Joan E Childs, LCSW is a renowned psychotherapist, inspirational speaker and author of Do You Hate the One You Love: Strategies For Healing and Saving Your Relationship. In private practice since 1978, she specializes in individual and couple’s therapy, grief therapy, EMDR, NLP, Inner Child Work and codependency. Learn more about her services at www.joanechilds.com.