What Happens When Dad Gives 100% Support …

Sam Jones is one of our most active master trainers. He’s also a championship-level fencer, not to mention being a committed father.

sam-stephen-jones-fencing-posedDuring the summer of 2010, Sam was busy with his 19-year-old son, Stephen, (see photo) traveling and competing in a sport they took up together: fencing. The two of them participated in a major fencing event in the U.S., where over 6,500 fencers participated at various age levels. In the end, Stephen placed 34th in the 1A division — still quite an achievement — and he has placed first in other regional events. As for Sam, he placed second, earning a silver medal in the veterans division and a place on the World Fencing Championship Team. In his run to the final match, Sam defeated two former world champions.

For Sam, the better part of the story has to do with the time he and his son have been able to spend together and how their relationship continues to grow stronger in the process. As each one competes, the other one coaches him — they practice together, talk about strategy, offer encouragement, point out ways they can improve, and celebrate the victories. Sam commented about this summer’s event, “We were both so excited that I made it as far as I did. But I was more excited that he was excited…. The whole thing was good, but the priceless thing was me being there with my son.”

aa-dad-young-adult-son-fencingMaybe the most inspiring part of this story happened years ago, when Stephen first showed interest in fencing. Where they lived at the time, Stephen was the youngest fencer and there was no team for kids his age. So Sam joined the fencing club to encourage him and to learn about the sport. Sam says, “I wanted to help him build up his confidence and let him know he could do it, because he wasn’t really that athletic, but he had certain skills that I knew he could develop. I wanted to be there to support him one hundred percent.”

You may not take up one of your child’s interests to the extent that Sam did, where you end up battling for the top spot in the nation. But there are many ways to get involved and support your child in his or her interests, and there are some important reasons to do so, as Sam’s story suggests:

First, your involvement demonstrates your love. Your willingness to stretch a bit, if necessary, to enter your child’s world shows that he is worth your time and effort, and that you place high value on what he does. It’s a great way to affirm your child.

Second, you get to discover more about your child as she explores new interests and develops abilities and character traits. (Just remember that the goal for both of you is discovery, not high performance.)

Dive in, dad! Give your child 100% support in something he loves. You just never know where it might lead him (and you).

ACTION POINTS

  • Ask your child to teach you something about a sport, hobby or pastime that he enjoys.
  • Give your child opportunities to try a variety of different pursuits as she discovers her gifts and interests.
  • Take a hard look at your priorities in relation to your work and family commitments. Are there ways you can find more time to invest in your children and their interests?
  • Do you travel a lot for work? Make sure to check in every day about the events, challenges and accomplishments in your child’s life.
  • Talk with your children’s mother about each of your children’s development, what issues are likely to come up in the next six months, and how you can help coach each of them through the process.

 

Watch the replay of the Fathering Breakthrough Event

Join Dr. Ken Canfield and a handful of friends and partners as we give an update about our efforts to inspire and equip fathers all over the world.

There may be no more important work than turning the hearts of fathers to their children, and that’s what this is all about. We’re seeking to repair, rebuild and restore effective fathering for the benefit of children and families everywhere.

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