“This is my son in whom I am well pleased.”

I think that one verse, Matthew 3:17, may hold the most important key to parenting. Dads have lots of roles and responsibilities, but I honestly think that passing on a blessing might rank at the top. And it’s modeled by the Heavenly Father who said to Jesus: “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” I think this has to rank as one of the most memorable moments in the life of Christ. We assume that Jesus didn’t need the same assurances we do, but I don’t think that’s true. He needed to know that His Father loved him, blessed him, and believed in him.

Our kids desperately need our affirmation. And by affirmation I don’t just mean words of blessing. Sometimes the most affirming thing you can do is discipline your kids! It assures them that you care about them. If you didn’t care you wouldn’t even bother.

Blessing is more than an action. It’s an art form. You do everything in the spirit of blessing your kids. So whether you’re teaching or hanging or praying or playing–you are blessing them. You want your kids to grow up and feel blessed? They will feel blessed if you bless them!

Do it consistently. Do it creatively. Do it verbally. Do it non-verbally.

Just do it.