Faith

This entry was written on Sep 24, 2009 by our Dad Guru John Valadez

I never argue with people about religious beliefs. There’s really no point because everyone believes in God; even if you’re an atheist chances are you believe in yourself, and therefore, have faith in your heart. You really can’t escape it. I’m a highly religious person and my beliefs differ from others; I’ll stay away from personal beliefs and focusing on the big picture. I believe God comes to everyone in different ways. It really doesn’t matter if you’re a Muslim, Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist, Christian, Jew or an Atheist. God arrives in every ones heart differently.

If you’re on fire does it matter which person of faith throws water on you? Not at all; just as someone does.
This is what I mean regarding God coming into your life. We are all on fire at one time or another; and God comes to us, in a form we can relate, to assist our needs and put out the fire. It’s a very clever way of reaching everyone. How can we repay his graciousness? Pass on our beliefs to our children.
Children need guidance, in every aspect of their lives, and religious beliefs are no different. Imagine growing up not being taught to believe in anything. Where would our children receive their spiritual guidance? Television? When you decide to partake in a child’s spiritual development it’s best to play an active role in the process – much like school. In fact, it should be exactly like school; because school only lasts a handful of years and a person’s spirituality will last a lifetime. If you believe in attending church every Sunday, then please attend every Sunday. If you believe in praying at home, then bring your child into the daily prayer. Sharing a faith is a beautiful and important experience in a child’s life; it will teach them responsibility, awareness, humility, compassion and many other traits as well.
Have a great day and God Bless.

Look for the big moments in small things

A child’s world is very big to them but often small to you. What they find fascinating may be boring or trivial to you. But if you spend time with them at their level, you will learn to appreciate more simple things and start to understand your son or daughter better.

Tell your kids you love them

This entry was written on Jun 12, 2009 by our Dad Guru John Valadez

There are many ways a dad can show his family that he loves them. Being a good provider, going to their games and extracurricular activities, showing patience, being a good listener and so much more. The only way your kids are going to know that daddy loves them is for you to vocalize your love. Saying, “I love you,” is therapeutic and a natural mood lifter. Everyone wants and needs to be loved; it’s a part of being human.

Don’t be a dad that wishes he told his children he loves them.
Live your life with no regret and make it a practice to tell your children that you love them every day. You’ll be happier, the kids will be happier and your home will be a better place for your candor and openness.
They’ll love you for it.

Unconditional love

Learn to love your children unconditionally. Remember that they are individuals who, like you, are developing their own view of the world and want to live in it their way. They don’t want strings attached in their relationship with you. They need your love, support and guidance. If you put expectations on them to be or do something in order to gain your love and approval, you may lose their love and respect.

Let Love control your child

Let your child’s love for you rather than the fear of yelling or hitting, cause the child to behave or listen. It works. Kids know when the parents are not happy with their behavior, let them learn with LOVE.

Tell them that you love them

It is hard for many men to tell their spouse or children that they love them. It is not always seen as manly to confess such feelings, and yet that is only reflective of generations of men being afraid to show how they feel. Saying that you love someone is not showing weakness - it’s actually the opposite. It says that you are strong enough to put your emotions out there in front of others and not hide them to protect yourself. Telling your children that you love them is the best way for them to build self esteem and learn to be unafraid to show their feelings when they are adults.