According to an online dictionary, fatherhood is defined as the state of having one or more children. Having a son and spending time with your son, taking him to games and getting to know him, is an example of fatherhood.

Often, these kinds of topics are tackled from the perspective of men. If it’s a blog like this one, the author would probably be a father himself, who’s been through life, raised children and acquired the necessary experience that qualifies him to speak on this topic. But sometimes, it helps to hear about fatherhood from the perspective of a child, what it means to them to have a father. I am not a father, but I have been a child, I know what I need in a father and this need can’t be different from that of many youngsters out there.

The definition above captions well the role of a father, but in the video below, life and relationships coach Stephan Laboissiere breaks it down even further.

To me, a father is a mentor; someone I look up to, love, rely on and respect. At the same time, a father is a friend; he is someone whose love, provision, protection, presence, advice, discipline and encouragement altogether prepare me for life and set me up to become the best person I can be and achieve greatness.

As sad as it is, there are many who did not get to experience life with a father by their side. Of course, having a good father physically has a great and positive impact on a child’s life but if you’re one, like Stephan whose dad was not around when growing up for one reason or another, it is still possible to experience fatherhood in God. Many things are said about God, but to us at 1Africa, He is first and foremost a loving father. Present when we need Him, and able to guide us and also supply all our needs.  If you’d like to know Him, please click on the banner below