Happy Fathers Day!
Fathers Day is a great opportunity to celebrate everything about being a dad.
The role of dad has changed significantly over the last 20 years or so.
Men are playing a more active role in parenting these days. Being a dad is much more than filling the traditional role of provider, protector, or disciplinarian in the family.
How do you know how to be a great dad?
Ask the kids! – It may be useful to listen to what your kids have to say about you. Ask them! Your Father’s Day cards may be filled with great feedback.
Some primary school kids in the US were asked to describe what makes a good dad. They came up with the following:
- “A good Dad makes you feel safe,”
- “A good Dad can protect his children from getting hurt”,
- “A good Dad knows how to keep the bad guys away.”
- “A good Dad always listens to Mum”
I’m not sure about the last comment!
In general our children tend to see dads as:
o SAFE
o STRONG
o COMFORTING
o PROTECTING
o THE HERO
o TEACHER
o WISE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE
No pressure!
There is of course considerable responsibility in being a parent. It’s a role full of love, joy, fun, exhaustion, frustration, stress and confusion!
As parents we are hugely influential in how our kids see the world and a big part of their growth and development is shaped within the kinds of relationships they have with their parents.
Helping our children grow
For men in particular, the notion that ‘just being there’ in our kids’ lives is, in itself, not enough.
Research in recent years has defined the characteristics or qualities of fatherhood which have a positive impact on how our kids grow into resilient and healthy individuals.
