Father's Day Feature: Father Of Substance

Father’s Day Feature: Father Of Substance

‘Not every successful man is a good father. But every good father is a successful man’ – R. Duvall

Besides being the bread winner of the family, today being a good father also means having a close relationship with his child or being involved in his child’s life.

A study shows that fathers have a positive influence on their kids. When fathers are engaged with their children, boys have fewer behavioural problems, girls have fewer psychological problems and both show enhanced cognitive development.

A Toast To Fathers

Today, fathers are taking an active role in raising their children. These fathers are developing a warm and close relationship with their children through playing, guiding, teaching and caregiving. Their involvement supports the development of their kids. The transition to fatherhood is a large turning point in a man’s life.

If men are willing to take their relationship with their children, it is among the greatest changes in a man’s life and development as a person. Many fathers today recognise that family life can be rewarding and that their children need their involvement.

It has been proved that fathers who are more involved with their children contribute much to their child’s intellectual, social and emotional development.

Some Tips To Be A Better Dad

1. Spend time with your children

This is the best way to bond with the child. Father can build this bond by spending time and engaging in different activities with his child.

2. Respect your child’s mother

The greatest gift a father can give his children is to love and respect their mother. Both father and mother should work as a parenting team and stand by each others decision.

3. Teach them independence

Teaching the child to be independent is very important for building the self confidence of a child. They should be given freedom and responsibility as they can handle.

4. Be a good role model

Fathers should live the role of the type of person that they want their child to become. They can teach little boys to be real men and little girls what to look for in a man as per Freud’s theory.

5. Get involved in their studies

It is very vital for the fathers to give adequate attention to their child’s study. According to a research, there is a link between parental involvement and academic success.

Psychologist, Eirine Flouri says, “An involved father reads to his child, is interested in his child’s education and takes a role equal to mothers in managing his child”. Children with this type of father were more likely to get good grades in school, she found.

A report out of the University of Connectivut concluded that in matters of substance abuse, depression, behavioural problems and psychological maladjustments, the love of a father plays a more significant role than that of a mother.

Being an involved father supports the development of your kids. Child become just as attached to their fathers as their moms. Attachment provides a life long relationship providing a secure base in the world.

Namita Kandhola, mother to a six year-old daughter, holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and writes parenting articles for The Tribune. She found her inspiration for this from Mrs. Mona Prehar – former Centre Head, Euro Kids, Jalandhar , now an educationist, who was instrumental in bringing her and her daughter closer to each other.

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