If we take our cues from the society around us, we're in trouble. The other day I heard a commercial on the radio. A man is on a web site in the middle of the night trying to find the ideal sports car. As he downloads information which will help him justify this purchase with his wife, the light goes on and there she is. The listener laughs as he tries to explain away his actions by complementing her slippers. Sure, it's a cute commercial. But what is the subtle message? The man is reduced to being a child, needing to get mommy's permission to make a frivolous purchase. Our society wouldn't tolerate a commercial where a man exercises a veto over a woman making a purchase, but in a society of weak men the opposite is allowed.

Don't get me wrong. Most of us would want to be in agreement with our spouse on major purchases. And there are men who are irresponsible spenders.  And there are men who confuse spiritual leadership with control. But we must not take our cues from the world when it comes to leadership in our families. Leadership is about setting a direction for the family and setting an example in the family. It's not about controlling everything that happens within the family, and it is not a role a Christian man can abdicate.

How does this affect us as Christian homeschoolers? Are we fathers actively involved in educating our children, or do we leave the whole task with the mom? Are we involved in the daily decisions, or do we succumb to the twin extremes; controlling everything our wives want to do or agreeing with everything our wives want to do? Do we know the strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and our families? Have we set goals for our children? Are we a good example, spiritually, morally, emotionally, intellectually, academically and physically? These are big questions. But homeschooling Dads need to answer them. What are your thoughts? What makes a good homeschooling Dad? What are you experiences? I'll reserve some space in the next issue because it's important that we hear your answers.        

In Service,

Shawn