For vs. From Affirmation

For vs. From Affirmation

In your journey as a father, there may not be a more important distinction you can make than these two phrases: “For Affirmation” & “From Affirmation”

The difference in word choice is subtle, but the ramifications are massive. At Champion Tribes, we want to see every child live from his dad’s affirmation, rather than for it.  To paint a picture of what this might look like in your own household, here are a few examples that we’ve seen play out in the lives of fathers and sons we’ve met.

When it comes to these areas of life, which side does your child typically fall on?  

Obedience

For: “I obey, therefore I am accepted.”

vs.

From: “I am accepted, therefore I obey.”

Sports

For: “I have to play well, so my dad will approve of me.”

vs.

From: “My dad approves of me, so I feel the freedom to give my best effort.”

School

For: “If I don’t make good grades, my dad won’t love me as much.”

Vs.

From: “I know my dad loves me, so my grades — good or bad — do not define who I am.”

Success

For: “I have to be successful to know I am worthy.”

Vs.

From: “I know I am worthy, so success won’t go to my head, and failure won’t go to my heart.”

. . .

Our hope is that each day your child would be moving closer to living from your affirmation rather than for it.

For more thoughts on how this embracing this truth can take your parenting to the next level, take our Dad Strength & Weakness Assessment.

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