How to Be a Courageous Dad

2 min read

 

Tony Dungy and I first met in 1997, a year after he became head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Since that time, he and I have worked side by side helping men to be the best fathers they can be through our All Pro Dad program.

Recently, Tony and I were sitting in my office talking about fatherhood.  During our conversation, we talked about the importance of fathers modeling courage to their children.  I asked Tony, “What is courage?” “Courage is the ability to do the right thing, all the time, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be,” Tony said to me in his convincing way.  “It takes courage to discipline at the right time and in the right way. It takes courage to say ‘no.’ It takes courage to go against the grain and say, ‘You know what, I know everybody else allows their kids to watch these television programs, or dress like that, but I’m not going to allow it.’ It takes courage to stand up for your convictions.”

I agree with Tony and would add that it takes courage for a father to:

What other things would you add to this list that a courageous father must do?

Additionally, the idea of courageous fatherhood is embodied in the movie Courageous, which opens September 30th.  Make plans to take your wife and older children to see it.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Subscribe

Get Updates and Advice from Mark

Receive parenting, marriage, and relational truth to your inbox!