Want to know who holds the record for fathering the most children by one wife? It’s a Russian father who has 69 children. Unbelievable? Nope, it’s true. This Russian father has 16 sets of twins, 7 sets of triplets and 4 sets of quadruplets. Humble yourselves dads – you’re not as prolific as you thought you were!
I also read where NFL running back Travis Henry has 9 children by 9 different women. I’m not sure that’s anything to be real proud of. And just incase Mr. Henry ever runs across this post I’d like to say … Dear Mr. Henry, a real man doesn’t love a million different women, a real man loves one woman a million different ways. Sincerely, Me 
Father’s Day is this Sunday and it got me thinking about what makes a real dad … and it’s not just sperm. It takes more than sperm to be a “real” dad … it takes time. Your manhood should never be measured by the amount of children you have, but what kind of father you are. It takes a man to be a real dad (Ephesians 6:4). Here are a few things “real” dads do:
- Be there for your kids.
- Read to your children.
- Be a good role model.
- Spend time one-on-one with each child.
- Treat the mother of your children with respect.
- Pray together.
- Play together.
- Help with your children’s home work.
- Set clear, consistent limits.
- Listen to your children.
- Know your children’s friends.
- Go with your children to church.
- Take your children to work with you.
- Be affectionate.
- Read the Bible together.
A real dad simply doesn’t produce children, but a real dad is committed to his children. Because there can be no “real” fathering with out commitment.
Don’t just produce kids, be a dad.
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
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One father’s day, my daughter (technically my stepdaughter, but we just skipped that part) gave me a card which read, “Any man can be a father, but it takes a REAL man to be a Dad.” Your article sums that up very well, and I’m so blessed to have a daughter who knows it intuitively!
Trey,
Thanks for another great post! Men, step up to the plate. Even if the children in your care are not your own (or maybe especially if they are), Father them. In fathering, you leave a legacy that stretches many generations into the future.