Living next door to Nathan I often see him working with one of his sons. That gives me great pleasure because I know it is an investment in their futures. Years ago, I was doing that with Nathan. Now I see the fruit in his life reproducing in his sons. 

Nathan’s confidence and willingness to tackle repairs, projects, automotive work, and yard work has doubtless saved him a lot of money. Additionally, and maybe more importantly, it provides quality time with his sons. Teaching sons to enjoy work projects with Dad pays dividends throughout their lives. 

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). 

There is, however, a cost to count when you include your son in a project. In the early years, every project with him takes longer than if you did it by yourself. Your son shouldn’t merely watch you but be hands-on himself in the process. He will do some things incorrectly, even when you are instructing him, and those will have be be redone, which will require your patience. (Good growth opportunities for Dad, too.) 

What if you, Dad, don’t know how to do something? Years ago, I had a number of “how to fix-it” books that I referenced frequently. These days there are so many additional “how to” resources available. Learn to do it with your sons.

Don’t miss the precious opportunities you have as a dad to spend time with your boys, mentor them in the qualities needed to be a worker, and to learn practical skills they can use through out their lives. Go get your sons, and find a project to do with them. 

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame” (Proverbs 10:4-5).