According to recent research, children whose fathers are highly involved in their lives in a positive way do better in school.
They demonstrate better psychological well-being and lower levels of delinquency, and ultimately attain higher levels of education and economic self-sufficiency.
Given the importance of fathers spending time with their children, why is it that while teenagers watch many hours of television per week, they spend only minutes per week talking with their fathers?
Unfortunately, many fathers either don’t or are afraid to spend one-on-one time with their children. Besides missing out on fun, these fathers miss out on bonding time and a chance to establish emotional intimacy with their children.
Being a good father means that you need to be able to put your children before yourself, be a positive role model, and protect them from harm. But at the same time, you have to allow them to make their own mistakes, and learn from them.
The key word here is nurture. Children learn through a variety of ways, however observing the behaviour of others is probably the most influential.
As a role model, children learn from their fathers and their actions. They emulate the desirable behaviour and then discard the undesirable. Therefore knowing yourself, and how others perceive you, is essential when your children are learning from you both directly and indirectly. Your children need to be taught right from wrong and see it demonstrated on a daily basis by their father.
When considering the responsibilities of fathers, it’s important to remember that no father is perfect. Fathers are humans who make mistakes. But the important thing to teach is that they can learn from their mistakes and avoid making the same mistakes over-and-over again.
As a good father, help your children understand their desires and assess their capabilities and set achievable goals.
Encourage them to meet their full potential but avoid living vicariously through them by expecting them to achieve what you had achieved or hoped to have achieved. Don’t force your expectations on them. They have different talents from you.
Some common perceptions of a good father’s role include providing financially and emotionally for their children. Good fathers also care for their children.
A good father’s role is to discipline the children along with their mother. Make parenting a partnership, be on the same page about how to discipline your children and be consistent.
A good father should give his children affection and warmth. They shouldn’t be afraid to tell their child “I love you, I’m proud of you.”
A good father shows support and love through actions as well as words.
Consider your roles and responsibilities as a father. Ask yourself which are most meaningful and pursue them to the best of your ability.
Being a good father is one of the most important and challenging things you can do but your children will turn out better. Spend time listening and talking with your children everyday.