Father Role – Why Is Father Important
- Created:
17. 8. 2021 - Updated:
19. 2. 2024 -
There’s a reason that fathers often find themselves wondering why they should bother investing time and energy into infants who, for at least another couple of years, won’t care or remember and besides, we “don’t need” daddy. Kids are as excited to see a puppy or an apple as they are to hug dad when he comes home from work. But it’s important for dads to see the big picture here.
💡TIP N.1: A few tips for becoming fathers – how to be helpful to the partner during pregnancy, childbirth, and during the puerperium.
Anyone can be a father to a child, but being a dad takes a lifetime. Fathers play a role in every child’s life that cannot be filled by others.
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What Are the Roles of Fathers in Families Today?
Fathers today may be expected to parent and assist with household chores equally with their partners.
In a study of married men and women who had just had their first child, results illustrated that a good partnership, as well as an effort to reduce their wife’s stress, led to overall decreased aggravation for both partners, even when their baby was fussy.
Within the family, fathers can take on multiple roles which may include:
- Head of the family in finance
- Protection – when walking, shopping, to the doctor
- Nanny – occasional babysitting alone
- A support partner – support for his wife – to tell her that she is amazing, that she can do it
- Teacher – teach the child everything from the beginning, slowly, with patience and in peace
- Loving parent – do not be afraid to show love
- Child – sometimes it is necessary to forget the adult role and take on the role of a child – to play with your child
- Co-parent, in case of separation or divorce
Good Dads and Engaged Fathers
Before we look at how involved fathers help their kids, it’s important to highlight what an engaged, active, involved father looks like.
First of all, showing up is half the job. Dads who live with their kids and take time out of their days to attend important events are far more likely to have a positive impact than absent fathers.
But being around is one thing and being engaged is another (it is definitely more). It is not about the quantity of interaction that doesn’t benefit kids.
But it is about engaged parenting. What does that mean?
The Engaged Parenting
A lot goes into being a good dad. Making healthy decisions before conceiving so that your kid has the best shot in life, genetically speaking. Coaching your partner through pregnancy and birth so that your bond to your child starts early. Learning to play with your infant even though they will never remember. Counseling your teenage daughter about making smart choices. But those are the mechanical parts of fatherhood. In a more general sense, these studies all emphasize the importance of not just parenting but parenting well — caring for your children and modeling good behavior.
Perhaps most importantly, dads need to realize that their kids are always watching and that what they do matters. How well a dad influences a child’s psychological, cognitive, and social development, and strongly steers them toward adulthood. Why? Because dads do matter.
💡TIP N.2: If you are more interested in engaged parenting you can read the book Engaged Parenting by Kathleen Ramos Richard Berrett
Fathers and Emotional Development
Fathers, like mothers, are pillars in the development of a child’s emotional well-being. Children look to their fathers to lay down the rules and enforce them. They also look to their fathers to provide a feeling of security, both physical and emotional.
Children want to make their fathers proud, and an involved father promotes inner growth and strength. Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s cognitive and social development.
It also instils an overall sense of well-being and self-confidence.
Fathers and Their Daughters
Young girls depend on their fathers for security and emotional support. A father shows his daughter what a good relationship with a man is like. If a father is loving and gentle, his daughter will look for those qualities in men when she’s old enough to begin dating. If a father is strong and valiant, she will relate closely to men of the same character.
Fathers and Their Sons
Unlike girls, who model their relationships with others based on their father’s character, boys model themselves after their father’s character. Boys will seek approval from their fathers from a very young age.
As human beings, we grow up by imitating the behavior of those around us, that’s how we learn to function in the world.
If a father is caring and treats people with respect, the young boy will grow up much the same.
When a father is absent, young boys look to other male figures to set the “rules” for how to behave and survive in the world.
💡TIP N.3: The Science of Dad and the ‘Father Effect’ – There are data-driven reasons why kids do better with a father figure in their lives.
The role of a father is always changing in our modern world. What does it mean to be a dad? The art of fatherhood is evolving as a society and the traditional family change. With these positive parenting tips, dads can help their children build confidence and self-esteem, and in turn, learn how to be engaged, supportive, and loving fathers to their children.
Many fathers (probably all of them) may ask – How I can engage? How I can be supportive? How I’ll become a loving father? What can I give to my child? Don’t worry I got you! I wrote down few tips for you!
- Spend time with your child.
- Discipline with love and positive parenting.
- Be your childs role model.
- Earn the right to be heard.
- Be your childs teacher.
- Eat together as a family.
- Read to your child.
- Respect the other parent of your child.
- Seek involvement early.
💡TIP N.4: If you want to know details about these tips, check this article – „How to be a good father: tips & advice for dads“.
Final Tip: Annie Baby Monitor – Your Ultimate Dad Helper
If you’re looking for help to be the best dad ever, you gotta check out Annie Baby Monitor – especially if you’re taking care of a baby.
It’s got everything you need to keep an eye on your baby, track their activities, and even analyze their sleep history. Whether you’re at home or out and about, Annie’s got your back!
With Annie Baby Monitor, you can be confident that you’re always in the know about your little one’s needs, and you’ll be able to handle fatherhood like a pro!
