September, 2003 (Apologies)

Dear Dads,

All dads will make mistakes in raising their children no matter how hard they try not to. The question is: Will we then be too macho or too proud to apologize?

It is the wise father who will not let his pride keep him from apologizing to his children when he makes a mistake with them.

Key point for dads:

Dads need to humbly apologize, as soon as possible, when they make a mistake with their children and then ask them to forgive him.

Important Bible verse:

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.

Don't be afraid to let your children see a transparent father who cares enough to do the right thing when he messes up. That's the kind of dad that a child can trust.

Apologizing will actually make you more approachable by your child, when he/she knows you understand about making mistakes and needing forgiveness.

After apologizing and being forgiven, be sure to pray with the child.

Let's also apply this to our wife when we make mistakes with them.