Much has been written about the role of a good father and the importance of a father in his children's lives. However, in my opinion, little if any has been written about what are the fundamental attributes that make up a good or, what I like to call, a real father. I think that these fundamental attributes can be summed up with seven key traits or pillars as I like to refer to them. These fundamental truths or attributes known as the seven pillars (Ps) of fatherhood encompass the following key attributes:

P1: Pilot. A real father is a man who knows how to lead (navigate) his children and family through the storms of life.

P2: Provider. A real father is able to provide for his children with adequate shelter, food, and clothing.

P3: Protector. A real father knows how to protect his children from the predators of life.

P4: Preparer. A real father knows how to prepare and teach his children how to be self-sufficient and independent.

P5: Praise. A real father knows how to instill self-esteem in his children through encouragement, support, and affirmation.

P6: Patience. A real father is meek and slow to anger. He knows the difference between alienating his children and how to firmly direct his children in the right direction.

P7: Prays. A real father knows how to be a prayer warrior on behalf of his children.

By embracing and utilizing the seven pillars of fatherhood, all fathers or father figures will reap the benefits of successfully raising children who will be ready to take on the challenges of life. The way in which a man fathers his children can mean the difference between him finding great joy from his children in the future or great sorrow.