Thanks to everyone who shared! I pray that we might learn some new ways to show our husbands honor and respect as fathers this week that might become new habits and traditions we continue to do for many years. I am not going to be able to have much computer access this week, but I will check in when I am able to. I am praying for y’all! 🙂
TJFW:
My husband loves strange or unique-sounding foods or garnishes. Seriously, the more bizarre sounding, the better. I, on the other hand, like things very “clean” and ordinary. I’m not much into food for the sake of enjoyment, though, so I know I’m not the most fun person to eat with. He likes to try things with my mom because she likes unusual eats as well. You should see the joy on his face when he very selectively picks out something to bring to my mom’s for them to try. It’s so cute.
Anyway, I have this tradition every Father’s Day of, along with his regular gift, giving him a basket full of the strangest foods I can find. Last year the basket included some bizarrely flavores boar meat and jars of something funky-looking that I couldn’t identify because it was written in German. He was like a kid in a candy store.
J:
I too struggle with this as we are a blended family and I have a daughter and my husband has a son and we have 2 of our own. My husband used to be harsh with my daughter (I think this is a very, very common problem). He is much better than we was, but can still be a little dismissive at times. I have learnt to let the little things go and really appreciate any positive things I see happening, it is so easy to focus on negatives. It’s been hard not to keep controlling their relationship, so I’ve prayed a lot about it.
Now I am just grateful for each day he’s around and he is ok with the kids, if he does have to tell them off, I don’t usually say anything or get involved and it is always for a reason, so I am not so panicky now. I used to be very overprotective. I am not completely 100% trusting that he wont be harsh but I am leaving God to work that out in time. So just to say, you are not alone, but just to focus on any positives and try to be supportive if he has to discipline them, I usually say something like, “Listen to Daddy,” or ,”Lets do as Daddy says, shall we”…and I try to sound supportive. I really believe that things are a lot better, I have learned so much from this blog. If there is something I don’t agree with, I calmly asked what happened and then say, “Well if Daddy had said this or that, then that is how he feels about it,” ..and then don’t mention it again.
In the past I have had to very carefully mention things that I have not agreed with in a calm way when the kids are in bed. I have also learned that being respectful does not mean letting a husband get away with mistreating you or your children, I have had to love my husband but also be really tough at times. It has paid off, and we are still together! I’m not giving up and we both really love each other,
L:
My husband was much tougher on my boys than I wanted him to be. When they would injure themselves in sports, he would make them to keep playing, unless it was a very bad injury. I thought he was being cruel {I wanted to baby them!} but my boys have grown up to be men, strong men that can face the challenges of this world. I am so happy I didn’t interfere with his parenting my children. Our children only have one father to father them and we, as wives, must allow them to do that since we are not their father.
B:
My husband likes a clean orderly house so every day before he gets home I make my girls go through the house & clean up all their toys & books. I always tell them, “It’s almost time for Daddy & we know he likes a clean home, so let’s get this place tidy before he gets here.” Then before they go to bed I have them clean up anything they may have drug out after he got home so that when we wake up the house is neat & clean as well. I think it’s important that he leaves & comes home to a house he feels comfortable in. My girls are always happy to help clean up their mess when they know it’s for Daddy & something that makes him happy.
I feel this is one way I am teaching them to honor & respect their father’s wishes with a joyful heart & without expecting anything in return.
MC:
My husband and I are having our first child in early November. After much thought and prayer, I wanted to begin honoring my husband as a father. I decided to have my husband carry the sole responsibility in naming our child. We believe that a name is a prophetic declaration over a person’s life. For example, my name means “covering.” I interpret it as one who intercedes and also that I am covered (goodness and mercy follow/covers me). What better way to begin respect than to have my husband to be the first to utter our child’s prophetic destiny? At first, he felt it should be a team effort. As I explained to him that for nine months I carry baby, I go through labor and deliver baby, my body sustains baby after birth — all with him as my support. I want to stand and support the name he chooses for our child.
Once this sunk in, his eyes just lit up and he has risen to the call.
J:
I will tell you what my mother did for my dad to honor him.
My mom NEVER had a bad word to say about my dad. She was forever his cheerleader. She ALWAYS told us children how great and good of a man he was. She ALWAYS lived her life so as to make him happy. She ALWAYS let him take the lead. Here’s an example: My dad was a big fan of his alma mater. To honor him and bring enjoyment to his life, our family time largely consisted of us singing the songs of his alma mater, with her playing them on the piano as we all sang, with him leading the singing!
P:
My husband always said that I should respect and submit to him in front of children, then the children will honor the father and also the mother. If we argue with our husband in front of kids they will grow up dishonoring Dad and Mom.
For the past one year I’ve been submitting and honoring my husband I can see a big difference in our kids behavior towards their Dad and ME too.
R:
Something that we’ve been doing for sometime now is loudly applauding when my husband comes through the door, home from work. It happens usually at least 1 to 2 times a week when he comes home early enough for my kids to still be up. They now do this with or without me and really enjoy celebrating his coming home. If we must start dinner before he gets home the kids pray that he returns to us safely. My husband doesn’t comment on this but I think it’s something we all enjoy. Occasionally he’ll lead the kids to clap when I come home from work too. It certainly sets the mood for a nice evening.
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