Leading the Pack

Fatherhood is more than just a title. With it come responsibilities that directly impact the family's welfare. It requires a man to think beyond his own well-being and make decisions that would have a positive effect not just on one person, but on the entire family. Fathers have the monumental role of being the figurative "captain of the ship" - the one in charge of navigating their family through life's various twists and turns. In this capacity, dads provide their children with an early perspective of what being a leader is like.

According to American author Reed Markham, "the quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself but for his family." As the leader of the family, his success is not solely based on how well he can provide for his family's needs, but also on how involved he is in the lives of his spouse and children. As head of the household, he should be able to inspire his family through words and actions. He should possess strength in body, mind, and heart.

Being a father is in itself a journey to becoming a leader who is confident in his skills but also has compassion for those he is supposed to take care of. As he makes the lives of those around him better, he is also developing qualities that define a true leader:

1. Flexibility and Adaptability. Every member of the family is special as they possess different sets of ideals and experiences that mold them into who they are. To be able to relate deeply with each one, a father should be able to have an open mind and heart to understand the aspirations and grievances of his family and respond appropriately.
2. Being a Good Role Model. Instilling positive traits and values among children is most effective when they see these being modelled in front of them. Knowing that all eyes are on him as the leader of the household, fathers become more conscious of their actions, striving to display characteristics that they hope their children can imbibe and further develop as they grow into adulthood.
3. The Ability to Let Go. We tend to work our hardest to make sure situations will pan out the way we intend them to. However, we are not in control of a lot of factors that can affect the outcome of our choices. Fathers will learn first-hand that this is the case, and will be more comfortable accepting tough experiences and using them to learn, improve, and be better.
4. Patience. Sometimes, children won't listen easily to what they are being told to do. At a young age, they may not have a solid concept yet of what is right and wrong. Without patience, guiding children as a father would end up in a lot of conflicts. Fathers know that it is important to have a deep reserve for patience when dealing with children, as it will take them time to appreciate the lessons being taught to them.

A father is a devoted leader who grows into his role as he spends time and energy in keeping his family safe and comfortable. He is able to adjust and maneuver in the face of inevitable changes and be a shining example of a leader and a good human being. He knows when to let go, accept hardships, and use them to better himself and his family. He has a vast understanding that people operate at different speeds, and is patient enough to stand by them as they process difficult concepts. It may sound challenging, but it is thoroughly rewarding especially when you see how your family continues to blossom with the passing of time.