50 Things Every Son Needs to Hear from His Dad

       I heard a lot of things growing up from a lot of people: my mom, sister, teachers, ministers, friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, coaches, teammates, and opponents. Each one would tell me different things in their own way. My mom would lovingly tell me not to do something and when I wouldn't listen, the switches came out. (Then I listened.) My teachers would threaten me with detention or sitting out in the hall...I was scared to death of detention. My coaches would yell and growl...somewhere between the tobacco spit and sweat, I learned how to play. My ministers would speak the truth of God's word...either from the pulpit or one on one. My sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins would praise me for whatever...since I was one of the only boys in the family. Teammates gave me "attaboys" and opponents made threats. Much of what they told me went in one ear and out the other.
       However, there was one person who's voice I desired most to hear. My dad. My dad was very important to me growing up...and he still is. I'm going to visit mom and dad in a few weeks to go turkey hunting. I can't wait! Growing up, dad wasn't one to waste words. The things he said, he meant. And if it required action, he expected it to be completed by the time he got home from work. I heard a lot of things from my dad that are important. There are some boys who don't hear things from their dad for various reasons. Either the son never knew his "dad," the "dad" was not intentional with his words, or the father has passed away. I put the word "dad," in quotations because not every father is a dad. I heard one gruff football coach preaching one time say, "There are too many sperm donors out there and not enough dads." He made the distinction a little more vividly than I could. Even if your dad was not there, either physically or emotionally, you can use this list to help your son.
       Here is a list compiled from some men I know as well as from my life of what every boy needs to hear from his dad. This is in no particular order.

1. I love you.
2. I'm proud of you.
3. I believe in you.
4. Don't quit.
5. Be kind.
6. Trust in the Lord.
7. Say your prayers.
8. Read your Bible.
9. Eat your veggies.
10. Look both ways.
11. Hold my hand.
12. Follow me.
13. I love your mother.
14. I expect you to do your best.
15. Respect others.
16. I understand, I'm not perfect and neither are you.
17. Learn from your mistakes.
18. Walk it off.
19. Guard your thoughts.
20. Keep your composure
21. Choose your words carefully.
22. We care for those who can't care for themselves.
23. Don't be lazy.
24. Hustle.
25. You are strong.
26. You is kind.
27. You is smart.
28. You is important. (Sorry, I had to. It was just too easy.)
29. Do what I say, when I say to do it.
30. Stay focused.
31. Be particular.
32. Plan ahead.
33. Love your sister.
34. Obey your mother.
35. You're the man of the house when I'm gone.
36. It's ok, I still love you.
37. Keep your head up.
38. There is a time and place for everything.
39. Respect yourself.
40. Believe in yourself.
41. What you did was wrong, I still love you, but there are consequences.
42. I trust you.
43. Take responsibility for your actions.
44. Tell me about your day.
45. Just because your friends are doing it, doesn't make it right.
46. You represent this family, don't do anything disgrace its name.
47. If you're ever in jail, call me and I will bail you out.
48. If you've ever had too much to drink, call me and I'll pick you up.
49. Respect the girls you date and don't scar them for the next guy.
50. Be a godly man who loves Jesus.

       This list is in no way comprehensive. Perhaps there are some I left out. Feel free to comment and tell me what you heard or needed to hear from your dad.