Dads are great!

To my kids, 

I hope you recognize some of these people! Weren't we all so cute back then?

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 I want you guys to know how much I love your dad. He has been such a great father and husband. I hope you guys look to his example when you think of fatherhood.

From the Proclamation we learn that fathers are to preside, provide, and protect. I'm sure that seems like such a huge responsibility. But, as you look back at that first quote, it says that mothers and fathers are to help each other as "equal partners". Remember, in the parent/family relationship, one partner is not better or more important than the other. Always remember to work together as a couple when raising your family.

I hope you don't look at the examples in the media when you think of fatherhood. Fathers on TV these days seem to be bumbling idiots...the more bumbling and idiotic, the better. It is sad that this would be the view presented of fathers to the world. That isn't what I want you guys to think fatherhood is.

Boys, I want you to know how important it is to be a father and to work hard to raise righteous children. From my textbook,

"While many factors affect a father's motivation and involvement, research suggests that the quality of a father's relationship with a child's mother is perhaps the "secret ingredient" that makes the fathering recipe work best for most men and their children. The optimal environment for this fathering partnership to take place is a healthy marriage."

So the most important this you can do as a father is to love your children's mother. I hope you have paid attention to the example your dad has given you. He is a great help to me in the home. He definitely works with me as an equal partner in raising you guys. I don't think I could've asked for a better man to be you dad!

As I worked on this post on a chilly Saturday morning, way later in the semester than I meant to, I put it away unfinished when it was time for General Conference. I now think that doing that was inspired. During the Sunday morning session of Conference, Elder D. Todd Christofferson gave an excellent talk on fathers and fatherhood.  Please, go and listen to it again and remember the important role that fathers play in each and every family.

Never forget your dad and I love you!