Heart of a Father: How Dads Can Shape the Destiny of America

by Ken Canfield

Overview

Most parents misguidedly prioritize behavior. The why and how to instill character.

Behavior modification does not guarantee good character qualities. Character influences decisions. It’s evidenced in our speech, actions, and attitudes. It’s about who we are and what we do. The world competes for the hearts of our kids—and we see its negative impact in their pride, laziness, and entitlement. As Christians, however, we want to see the character of Jesus Christ in our children. Dads and moms, grandparents, and teachers all want to see their children grow in humility, gratitude, and respect—for others and themselves. We want our kids to be brave, compassionate, and joyful. We don’t want our kids to flounder through life. We want them to flourish and live into their God-given designs and callings. Dr. Kathy Koch helps us to that end by answering essential questions:

• What is character and why does it matter?
• Why is there a crisis of character?
• What are the challenges in developing character?
• How can we teach or improve character?

Not only does character help us accomplish our goals, there are many other benefits of mature character: we will be blessed, stand out for Jesus, attract good friends, grow in wisdom, and live in freedom.

Koch provides an invaluable resource for shepherding our children in godly character.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802473301
Publisher:	Moody Publishers
Publication date:	11/07/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	731 KB

About the Author

DR. KATHY KOCH (pronounced “cook”) is the founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., where she uses her expertise in educational psychology to help parents inspire children in their unique strengths and to thrive in their identity. She is a prolific author and sought after speaker, known for addressing contemporary challenges in parenting and education with practical, faith-integrated strategies through books and nationwide speaking engagements. Her work emphasizes the integration of Christian principles, aiming to foster character growth, identity formation, and spiritual development in children. You can learn more and access her podcasts, books, and more at www.CelebrateKids.com.

Table of Contents

Part 1:
The Shape of Your Heart
Introduction: Examining your Heart
1. Recognize Your Past
2. Resolve Your Past
3. Relate to Your Father

Part 2:
The Four “I CANs” of Fathering
Introduction: Building a House
4. Involvement
5. Consistency
6. Awareness
7. Nuturance

Part 3:
The Disciplined Heart
Introduction: Through the Years
8. The Early Years: Attachment/Idealism
9. The Middle Years: Understanding
10. The Teen Years: Enlightenment
11. The Latter Years: Reflection and Generativity
Epilogue: A Father's Legacy
Appendices

Editorial Reviews

Canfield, president of the National Center for Fathering, argues that the true act of fathering manifests itself not in an intellectual understanding of a father's role but in a heartfelt relationship between a father and his child. Canfield insists that all fathers must understand how their own hearts have been shaped by their fathers before they may enact the elements of involvement, consistency, awareness, and nurturance characteristic of a father's heart. Happily, Canfield avoids a condemnatory and condescending tone, and his portrait of the successful father may have appeal outside the limited audience of evangelical Christianity. Recommended for public libraries.

Library Journal