Fatherly Influence

As we clearly see for ourselves, when a father makes his children happy, their happiness is even greater than when their mother pleases them. For his children know that he is also capable of disciplining them (i.e., “telling them a harsh word” for the sake of education—needless to say, in a manner whereby he subsequently comes to love them all the more…).

In general, a father should also relate to his children in a disciplinary manner; for example, when testing a child (on his studies) and the child fails to give proper answers and the like. Nevertheless, immediately afterwards, the father consoles and appeases the child…