Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship

How fathers and sons can and should talk to each other. The help between fathers and sons go both ways in helping to build both individuals. Fathers, you are the most meaningful example of manhood to your sons.

3 suggestions on how to take advantage of your relationship with your dad

1. Trust your father (despite his imperfections)
2. Take an interest in your father’s life.
• Ask him questions about himself
• Watch him
3. Ask your father for advice (He’ll probably give it even if you don’t ask but it works better if you will ask.)
• Nothing shows respect for another person so much as asking for their advice.
• Fathers who are asked for advice try even harder to give good, sound advice.

3 Suggestions for fathers to enchance their relationship with their sons

1. Listen to your sons
• ask the right kind of questions and really listen to their answers.
• just because you were young once does not mean you understand their life.
• find the way to relate individually with his son.
• have at least one focused one-on-one conversation with each son
• make sure you are listening at least half the time
• use the word feel as often as possible (in questions)
• don’t feel that you have to solve everything
2. Pray with and for your sons – give them blessings
3. Dare to have the big talks with your sons
• challenges they face in these days
• their feelings related to the gospel

All returned missionaries should be working on getting married even though it should not be a rushed decision.
Hanging out is not enough – courting seems to be a lost art.

The priesthood is the divine power through which families are sealed together forever. Everything in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, including the ordinances of the holy temple, is focused on the possibilities of families becoming part of the eternal family of God.

Aside from how I relate to my sons, how does this apply to me? Should I be reaching out to my dad? Can I?

Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them.

Studies show that the biggest deterrent to casual sexual activity is a wholesome attitude that connects such personal relationships with genuine commitment and mature love. Fathers, if you have not had this “big talk” with your sons, please do so, and do it soon.