That's how a family works...

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 NCV)

Because of the way God made us, we are naturally drawn, even at a very early age, to the affection and advocacy of the parent of the opposite gender.

If you had a terrific mother, you're hanging right in there with me with this idea, aren't you? If your wife had a great dad, you're really on board. But what about the men who didn't have such a mother? And what about the women who didn't have a wonderful father? Believe it or not, Paul has something to say to us about this in the text above. Paul says that we have God-given power. Through the Spirit, we can use that power to reverse the affects of negative relationships in our lives. If your wife didn't have a daddy who loved her, then you - with the spirit of love that the Lord promises - love your wife and be willing to give your life for her (Ephesians 5). If you didn't have a mother who poured affirmation on you, then you dig down - with the same promised power - and find the self-discipline to be loving and tender to your daughter.

Allow God to fill the voids that your parents may have left in your life. And claim the Holy Spirit's power as you try to love your wife and kids as much as he does. That's how a family works.

Culled from: Robert Wolgemuth's notes in Dad's Bible