Listen to your kid at five years old and he’ll talk to you when he’s 15 years old. I recently talked with Don Manning (see the Father On Purpose Podcast linked below). Don and I discussed a strategy for being a better dad that hinges on Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Here are two big ideas: #1 Go deep with God. Be sure you’re talking and listening to God. Do you hear God speak to you? God speaks through His Word. Are you listening? Are you praying? Your best chance to lead your kids to the Lord is with consistent, fervent prayer. Unsure how to start, pray Scripture. First Peter 5:7 says casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you. Take all your cares and give them to Him. #2 Go deep with your family. Most dads want to connect with their kids, but they’re unsure how. Remember your why. The point of raising kids isn’t to have perfectly behaved, “successful” kids. Jesus cares more about connection and relationship than He does about performance. Freeing huh?! Simply give your kid love, truth, and grace. Let God handle the rest. 

DON MANNING AND CRAZY, COOL FAMILIES: Years ago, God challenged Don Manning to go deep with Him and to go deep with his family. While it wasn’t the answer that Don was seeking at the time, it was a call that changed his life and his family legacy forever. The result has been a ministry that’s focused on helping dads find meaning and purpose—not to mention a whole lot of fun—in doing family God’s way. Listen to hear the wisdom Don’s gained over more than three decades of building and nurturing his own crazy, cool family.