Being a parent is not easy, when we become new parents we have so many thoughts running in our minds, and most of the time we are bound to think that we are not doing enough. Hence we try to get knowledge from our parents, books, relatives, etc. but do you think that all this information is truly helpful to us? Well not really, these people can only guide us in their way and we have to learn through our mistakes. We have to keep trying to be able to give our child what we have always imagined (to do our best in every possible way). We will fail and we will succeed-it’s a part and parcel of being a new parent but you can’t quit! Being a mother is tough -we all know that – so many changes physically and mentally but what about father? We rarely talk about the change in them. Don’t you think? While we demand all the attention and importance, the new father has his adjustments and problems which he can’t share but has to deal with. He does a lot of things by being the pillar for his family and kids. Fathers are central to the emotional well-being of their children; they are capable caretakers and disciplinarians
The emergence of women in the job market has forever changed how society views the traditional roles of fathers and mothers. Feminism and financial power have brought a great change in parenting trends, and today approximately 70 percent of women work. Add to that, the shift in marriage, divorce, lowered birth rates, and family structures of all types, and you can see the emergence of a softening and changing of traditional parenting roles. This change in economics, urbanization and sexual roles has led to more open, flexible, and undefined functions for fathers. Dads are more engaged in caretaking than ever before. The reasons for this are varied, but they include: mothers working more hours and receiving higher salaries, fathers working less, more psychological consciousness, coping skills, mental illness intervention, self-worth issues, intimacy in marriage, social connection, and better role model for children.
Further, children who are well-bonded and loved by involved fathers, tend to have fewer behavioral problems. Yet when fathers are less engaged, children are more likely to drop out of school earlier and to exhibit more problems in behavior and substance abuse. Research indicates that fathers are as important as mothers in their respective roles as caregivers, protectors, financial supporters, and most importantly, models for social and emotional behavior. A relatively new structure that has emerged in our culture is the stay-at-home dad.
It is important to recognize and reward dads for being there, and actively teaching important life skills to children. It is important to their children and meaningful to dads everywhere when you say “Thank you, job well done.” This, after all, is what makes life worth living. This is your true legacy: ensuring the health and well-being of your children, that future generation to be.
Happy International Men’s Day. You are loved and appreciated today and always!
