Fatherhood
Understanding the Breach
Cristofer Pereyra speaks of the father’s role in protecting his children from what they are exposed to through television, the internet and social media.
He says fathers must be “guards in the doors of our children’s souls.”
Electronic devices and technology are not themselves bad, he says, “but the use that we give to technology makes all the difference.”
Is Pereyra being too alarmist, or are there real dangers to children and young people in their use and consumption of entertainment and social media? What kinds of things are we talking about here?
Some parents limit their children’s access to electronics and social media through house rules, as Pereyra does, and others use technology like parenting software to set time - 36 - limits, filter objectionable content, or monitor what children do online. What advantages, disadvantages, and concerns exist with these various approaches to protecting the family?
At what age, if any, should young people receive a smartphone? If they aren’t adults, should you take away your children’s smartphones if they have one?
Bricks For The Breach
“Men, your presence and mission in the family is irreplaceable! Step up and lovingly, patiently take up your God-given role as protector, provider, and spiritual leader of your home. A father’s role as spiritual head of the family must never be understood or undertaken as domination over others, but only as a loving leadership and a gentle guidance for those in your care. Your fatherhood, my fatherhood, in its hidden, humble way, reflects imperfectly but surely the Fatherhood of God, the Father to those whom the Lord has given us to father.” (Into the Breach: An Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men)
Sword of the Spirit
“What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:11-13)