Prayers for Fathers and Husbands

Abstract

Text from the first four paragraphs of "Prayers for Fathers and Husbands"|For Fathers Coping with a Teenager|Now what, Jesus? Once again I have been dismissed by my own child who looks at me as if I am a stranger and an idiot besides. You know how deeply in my heart I carry this child, a child I have loved for so long. Always such a dear and loving child, compassionate and caring. Polite and respectful. |What in the world happened to my dear child? Some days he/she is mouthy and flip. Some days insolent and sullen. Where is that loving child Jesus? You had a wonderful earthly father in St. Joseph. He probably did it much better than I can seem to manage. |Now yelling seems to be our mutual common language. Am I teaching my children to separate anger from discipline or am I just exploding in frustration? Teach me to be faithful to my role of setting boundaries that will help my child grow, but with a greater love and patience.|Give me wisdom to remember that this is a normal part of maturity and the development of independence. I ask for patience, an open heart and an ability to remember that the eyeroll or scoff that comes my way is really my own dear child's fumbling attempt to grow up.