children with your words. Remember Paul’s admonition, cited earlier, to use your words to build up, not to tear down. If there’s anyone from whom your children should expect a word of encouragement, it should be you. Don’t be one of those dads for whom “nothing is good enough.” Many insecure adults have been formed by that kind of treatment as children. Instead, go out of your way to use your words to express appreciation when your child has completed a chore or to encourage him when he has been obedient.