In search of perfect fatherhood

I often beat myself up over my parenting of my son. I try to be an excellent father to him, but I fail. Sometimes it's my temper. Sometimes it's feeling guilty about saying "no" to jumping on the trampoline with him and his buddies. Sometimes I just wonder if I'm being the best example I can be to him.

It probably comes as no surprise to you on this Father's Day that being a dad is very challenging. There's really no human blueprint for perfect fatherhood, as all men have faults. I have come to realize that the only perfect father is God. He is a father who loves us completely, listens to us and is always there for us.

There is hope and encouragement for fathers who want to take the initiative in becoming a better father, though. Consider reading "Raising a Modern-Day Knight" for a suggested blueprint on how to take your son on the journey to manhood. For daughters, "What a Daughter Needs From Her Dad" provides insight into exactly what its title suggests.

One aspect of being a better father is to know yourself better. Many of us weren't taught what it means to be a man. That's why I just started reading "Stepping Up" by Dennis Rainey, a book that identifies five stages of a man's journey through life — boyhood, adolescence, manhood, mentor, and patriarch — and examines a man's responsibilities at each step. (Here is a 16-page PDF preview of "Stepping Up.")

So, on this Father's Day, if you're feeling that you're not the best father, don't beat yourself up over it. No one is the best father except for God. Just give it your best shot. And go tell your son that you love him -- now.