Part 2: The Example They Follow
“Live It Out: You Are the First Role Model”
You don’t need a classroom to be a teacher.
You don’t need a degree to be a leader.
If you're a father, you're already both.
Before your kids understand right from wrong, before they know what strength, love, or discipline really mean — they see you.
They learn it from how you live.
The Mirror You Didn’t Ask For
Whether you realize it or not, your children are studying you.
Every day, they’re asking:
- How should I speak when I’m frustrated?
- How do I treat people when no one’s watching?
- What do I do when I fail? When I’m scared?
You may not hear those questions.
But they’re watching for the answers.
And the answers are in your actions.
“Your life is the first lesson they’ll ever learn — and the one they’ll never forget.”
Do as I Do — Not Just as I Say
You can give the best advice in the world…
But if your actions don’t match your words, the message gets lost.
Tell your kids to be honest — but lie to your boss?
Tell them to stay calm — but explode over traffic?
Tell them to chase their dreams — but give up on your own?
They’ll follow your example — not your instructions.
If you want them to be courageous, be courageous.
If you want them to be kind, be kind — especially when it’s hard.
If you want them to fight for what’s right — show them what that fight looks like.
The Real Power of “I Was Wrong”
One of the strongest things a father can say is:
“I was wrong.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m learning, too.”
That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you real.
It teaches them that strength isn’t in always being right — it's in being humble enough to grow.
Kids don’t need a perfect dad.
They need a present, genuine, growing one.
You’re Building Their Blueprint
Every time you hold the door open…
Every time you keep your word…
Every time you admit a mistake and make it right…
You’re writing a line in the blueprint of who they’ll become.
They will carry your tone in their voice.
Your discipline in their habits.
Your confidence — or your chaos — in how they face the world.
Let that sink in.
“You’re not just raising them — you’re training them by how you move through your own life.”
Final Words:
Being a father isn’t about speeches. It’s about example.
Live like someone is watching — because they are.
Live with strength. Live with conviction.
And when you fall short, rise — and let them see what a real comeback looks like.
WarDad Message:
Live what you want them to learn. Fight the battle they don’t understand yet. Conquer your own weakness — so they learn how to conquer theirs.
By Ash Sarracossa