Let’s face it, the tendency is to leave school and education to mom. No one’s gonna judge you. You’re busy. But, the godly dad will see education as an area to be an example of godly living. Maybe you hear the leadership gurus talk about how “leaders are learners” and “how you can win at EVERYTHING”. In this post, we will discuss how the godly dad can be intentional about education.

Well, maybe you can. But it’s gonna take a plan. I’ve spent my life in ministry and publishing. I’m always reading something. We should all be continual learners. Yes, even though we have the diploma, degree or certificate—we aren’t finished learning. We should always be looking for ways to grow—especially as when it comes to being a godly husband and father.

 

Even if our jobs don’t require or encourage ongoing learning and professional development, it’s still a worthwhile practice. When’s the last time you read a book—simply to learn something new—especially when it comes to being a godly husband and father?

The focused father is intentional about education.

Pursuing education is a biblical principle. It’s recorded in Proverbs 18:15, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (ESV) That is an admonition for continued education and the acquisition of more knowledge.

Learning, especially for leaders, is a common theme in many quotes. Before we get to them, however, I can hear your objection already, “But I’m not a leader.” While that may be true at work (though, aren’t we always leading?), it’s not true in your home. As the father and husband, your family needs you to be the leader and your children need you to lead them. It’s why Manhood Journey published the Field Guides.

 


 

“The focused father is intentional about education.”

 


 

A few notable quotes on leading and learning

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” —John F. Kennedy

“Once you embrace unpleasant news not as negative but as evidence of a need for change, you aren’t defeated by it. You’re learning from it.” —Bill Gates

“We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we can accomplish those goals.” —Stephen Covey

“He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I am still learning.” Michelangelo

“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.” Peter Drucker

How can we translate this call to lead and learn into being intentional with our kids related to education?

In many cases, we make the mistake of doing enough to barely get by with our kids and education. The focused father is different. He goes beyond asking, “Hey son, how are your grades?” The focused father goes deeper.

Here are ideas to help you go from failing to empowering your children in the area of education:

  • Communicate the importance of education – it isn’t optional, it’s a priority.
  • Sit with, and guide, your child while doing their homework. If you don’t understand their homework, either learn about the subject on your own or consider getting a tutor.
  • Encourage children to develop a love for reading by setting aside some time each week for family reading. Encourage everyone to pick a book they want to read, and everyone spends the same time reading their chosen book. Try this with chapters or verses from Scripture as well.
  • Utilize free online learning resources and tutoring on evenings and weekends to reinforce learning. Most schools have their own portals nowadays. Here’s the real point: try and do these things with your kids when possible.
  • Provide an environment for focused attention on homework. This will probably mean turning the television and other electronic devices off during set time periods.
  • Don’t just send your wife to Parent-Teacher nights at school. Attend them and take a vested interest in getting to know their teachers and subjects.
  • Extra credit if you volunteer to help at your child’s school or chaperone a field trip!

  

Question: What is one thing you can add to your calendar this week to be more intentional about education? Tell us in the comments below, tweet @manhoodjourney or email us 

 


 

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Feel unfocused at home and in life?

You can be intentional at home and in life. Focused Father helps you get the focus you need to thrive where it matters most.

 

 

 


 

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