How may a father gain the confidences of his son or daughter in an interview? Prayer helps. Serious listening is essential. Helping him, when young, write in his journal, and reading from it does wonders for his self esteem and confidence in your interest. Offering and giving father’s blessings provides sweet occasion for expressing your love and teaching how that love relates the Lord’s love for them.
How should a father correct a child? Only at necessity very carefully, kindly, with no exaggeration, and then showing an increase in love.
Some fathers want to be buddies with their children, especially sons, and therefore cannot bring themselves to correct. But we are not called to be buddies at the expense of failing to correct. Alma is a beautiful example of this when he chastens his son for chasing after a harlot: “I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. But behold, ye cannot ahide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.” Alma 39:7. Plainly he speaks from love, not from any desire to punish, because he knows the son will have to account to the Lord if he does not make a serious correction. Alma 36 thru 42 provides a great guide for father’s interviews.
A worthy father stirs up the faith of his sons and daughters, challenges and inspires them with faith in the lord and themselves as they obey the Lord. He helps them realize that heritage as sons and daughters of God carries with it great power and promise; that, as Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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