Superdad or Superdud: The Tender Father

God the Father used tender words on His Son, calling Him ‘beloved’, and he sent the Holy Spirit to Jesus in the form of a dove, a symbol of peace and tenderness. Tenderness means strength under control. It means being affectionate.

Remember, children measure their Dad by putting a measuring tape around his heart, not his brain or his biceps. It means not shouting inappropriately.

Someone once said that shouting to make your children obey you is like using the horn to steer your car; and you get about the same results. Tenderness means being quick to comfort and being persevering and patient with know-it-all or challenging kids.

Tender actions and tender words are an especially powerful combination. When I cuddle my boys I whisper age-appropriate things in their ears. Sam is now seven, and I often say to him things like, ‘Sam, I am so glad you are in our family. You are a brilliant family member and an amazing Smyth boy. And, you’ve got muscles like steel.’