What kind of father are you?

Ten questions about fatherhood, also as a spiritual father or mentor

Every father has his own way of giving love. Find out which profile fits you best. No children (yet)? Then think of someone for whom you are a father figure or mentor. There are no right or wrong answers and nothing is stored. 1 Corinthians 4:15

1Sunday afternoon, plenty of time. What do you do with your child?

Go outside and do something adventurous. Make or learn something together. Just be at home and available. Ask how he or she is really doing.

2Your child makes a mistake. Your first reaction?

Stay calm. It will be fine. Comfort first, talk later. Explain what could be done better. Laugh about it together and try again.

3What do you want your child to say about you later?

"He taught me how life works." "He was always there." "I could always come home to him." "With him it was always a party."

4What are you good at?

Making up games. Keeping promises. Explaining. Seeing how someone feels.

5What do you find hard?

Letting go. Being strict when it is needed. Talking about feelings. Just listening, without giving advice.

6Which Bible story about fatherhood touches you?

The father who runs to meet his lost son. Joseph, who brings Mary and Jesus to safety. Paul, who calls Timothy his son. Jesus, who calls the children to him.

7Your child comes home angry. You...

stay calm and show that you are there. take him or her for a bike ride. sit down next to them and wait. ask what happened and help sort it out.

8How do you most like to show that you love someone?

By helping and checking how they are doing. By investing in who someone is becoming. Through time and fun. By making someone feel seen.

9What would you most like to pass on to your child?

Wisdom. Love and forgiveness. Joy of life. Trust and safety.

10How do you pray for your child?

By name and with my worries, every day. Briefly, but faithfully. I mostly ask for wisdom for myself. Together, in a way that suits the child.