Books : The Best Dad in the World : Excerpts

You're the BEST DAD in the World Because...

You're My Greatest Fan.

Nothing has a better effect upon children than praise.
SIR PHILIP SIDNEY

I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged.
2 CORINTHIANS 7:4

Do you let your children know how proud you are of them? Sometimes as parents we can become so concerned with correcting bad behavior in our children that we tend to focus on the negative in our interactions with them, rarely talking to them about what they do right.

Because sons naturally seek the approval of their fathers and daughters often gravitate toward men who respect them to the same level that their fathers do, it's vital to let your children know what it is you admire about them. When they bring home report cards, be sure you notice the good grades before talking about lower grades. Praise their successes at a sport or other activity they're interested in. And most important of all, point out moments when they display maturity, thoughtfulness toward others, and strength of character. Your affirming words will brighten their day and could change their tomorrow.

A LETTER TO MY DAD

Dear Dad,

You've always been easy to pick out of a crowd. You were the one cheering loudest at my games, the one wiping tears off your cheeks at my recitals, the one standing tallest and clapping hardest at award ceremonies. As I was growing up, there was one thing I knew without any doubt -- my daddy was proud of me, and he loved me very much.

Though I'm not in front of crowds much anymore, some things haven't changed. I can still see the pride in your eyes as you play with your grandchildren. You cheer me on still, even in the small responsibilities of everyday life. When I get discouraged or feel like I've failed in some area, there's still one thing I know for sure -- my daddy is proud of me, and he loves me very much. Thank you, Dad, for always being there to cheer me on.

Love,

Your Child

The praises and compliments I received from my father are worth more to me than any others in the world.
CHARLOTTE MAE

Correction does much, but encouragement does more.
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

SUN-KISSED
Carol Mcadoo Rehme

My Celtic heritage evidenced itself in typical fashion: auburn hair, slate blue eyes, and fair skin. Freckles were a given. The dreaded dots spotted my legs, splashed my arms, speckled my face. And I despised them, each and every one, mostly because of the teasing that resulted.

After a particularly bad day in fourth grade, I fl ew into Daddy's arms.

"I h-hate them. I just hate them!"

"Your friends?"

"N-no, m-my freckles. I wish I could erase them!" My sobs grew louder as Daddy rubbed my back.

"You do? Why, that's silly, Torchie. I love your freckles," he said. "And one day you'll love them, too."

"Love them?"

"Love them," he promised. Daddy's work-rough hand smoothed back my matted bangs. "Those freckles simply show the places where you were kissed by the sun. See here?" His thick finger feathered the nutmeg sprinkles across my cheeks and nose. "One, two, three, four, fi ve..."

My nose twitched at the tickles, and I giggled through my tears. Daddy nodded. "Yep. Kissed by the sun." He tweaked my nose. "From now on, you just tell everyone you were kissed by the sun. And tell them I said so."

So I followed Daddy's inspired advice and did exactly that. What began as an excuse soon became a boast. The words "my daddy says" slipped freely from my lips, giving me a growing sense of validation. I loved holding this coveted new center of attention, almost bragging about my freckles. Or at least until the fi fth grade...when I got my fi rst boyfriend.

"Where'd you get those freckles?" Jeffrey fl icked the curl at the end of my brick-red braid one day. "They're kinda cute."

Although I blushed at the compliment, my answer by then was automatic; I tossed it out as casually as I smoothed my polished cotton skirt. "Oh, that's where I was kissed by the sun."

"Oh, yeah?" Jeffrey grabbed my arm masterfully, turned me to face him, and looked me in the eye. "And just whose son did the kissing?" he demanded.

"Uh...well...uh..." A deep blush crept up my neck and swept across my cheeks.

"Well, if he can," said Jeffrey, "so can I!"

Then, before I could explain, he leaned forward with a proprietary air and planted a fi rm kiss...squarely on my cheek. Wideeyed, I cupped my face and watched Jeffrey's fl ush crimson.

Daddy was right, I decided then and there, I loved my freckles.

It is a wise father that knows his own child.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for blessing me with great kids. They do so many things that make me proud. Help me to know how to best express my admiration of each of them. Give me insight into the things they're passionate about; I want to understand those interests so I can encourage them and be involved in the areas of their lives that are important to them.

I want my kids to know that I'm always in their corner, whether they're winning or losing, through good times and bad. Help me to know when they need my words of encouragement and when they just need me to listen. And help me to notice and acknowledge all the good things they do, especially those related to displaying godly character.

Amen.

I THANK GOD for you, DAD.
You make me feel like I'm the greatest!