A lot has been said about the role of a father in a child's life, but, as it seems to me, there is a lack of words from men themselves. After all, it is from our perspective, from the point of view of those who directly experience it, that the full depth and significance of fatherhood is felt.
Today, I decided to write about the importance of a father's role in raising sons and daughters.
Today, I decided to write about the importance of a father's role in raising sons and daughters.
Why is a father needed?
Nowadays, the main role of a father is often seen as earning money and providing everything the family needs. After a hard day at work, the father comes home to rest, have dinner, watch TV, or scroll through his phone. Parenting is no longer the focus; it takes a backseat or even disappears altogether. In this situation, the father becomes the "bad cop." He doesn't participate in parenting but is involved in punishment. Children are often scared by the words: "Dad will come back, and he'll show you!"
As a result, the father loses the child's trust, leading to misunderstandings and frequent conflicts that can last a lifetime.
However, the father's role in a child's life is just as important as the mother's role. From the very moment of birth, a father can give the child many valuable things:
A sense of confidence and security: The father represents strength and stability for the child. Being around dad, the child feels safe, which helps them develop a crucial skill – the ability to take risks.
Building self-esteem: When a child feels love and care from both parents, they understand that they have a reliable support system and can handle any challenges that come their way.
Proper distribution of roles: By observing the interaction between mom and dad at home, the child learns about family relationships and understands how responsibilities and roles are divided between men and women.
Socialization and behavior in society: Men are generally stricter and more consistent in their expectations. Fathers teach their children social behavior, respect for others, and the basics of discipline and responsibility.
Physical development: While mom introduces the child to creativity and art, dad often becomes the model of strength and sports. He instills a love for physical activity in the child, introduces them to various sports, and helps develop their physical skills.
Mentor and support: The father helps the child solve problems, navigate challenges, and achieve goals. He teaches them to take responsibility for their actions and not be afraid to take risks.
Playing friend: The father can turn a simple game into an exciting adventure. He opens up a new world of possibilities for the child and shows them the joy and fun that can be found in play.
Building self-esteem: When a child feels love and care from both parents, they understand that they have a reliable support system and can handle any challenges that come their way.
Proper distribution of roles: By observing the interaction between mom and dad at home, the child learns about family relationships and understands how responsibilities and roles are divided between men and women.
Socialization and behavior in society: Men are generally stricter and more consistent in their expectations. Fathers teach their children social behavior, respect for others, and the basics of discipline and responsibility.
Physical development: While mom introduces the child to creativity and art, dad often becomes the model of strength and sports. He instills a love for physical activity in the child, introduces them to various sports, and helps develop their physical skills.
Mentor and support: The father helps the child solve problems, navigate challenges, and achieve goals. He teaches them to take responsibility for their actions and not be afraid to take risks.
Playing friend: The father can turn a simple game into an exciting adventure. He opens up a new world of possibilities for the child and shows them the joy and fun that can be found in play.
If a child has a loving and attentive father, it will be much easier and more enjoyable for them to grow and develop.
Fatherly love and care are necessary for both boys and girls. For a boy, the father is a role model for male behavior. He learns to be brave, honest, and caring, inheriting his father’s qualities. For a girl, the father is the first man in her life. His attitude towards her shapes her future views of men and influences her interactions with them.
However, not all children are fortunate to have both a mother and a father in their family. Due to various circumstances, mothers raise children alone. I don't want to delve into why this happens, but the important thing is that a child needs a father figure.
However, not all children are fortunate to have both a mother and a father in their family. Due to various circumstances, mothers raise children alone. I don't want to delve into why this happens, but the important thing is that a child needs a father figure.
What to do if a child grows up without a father?
If a child grows up without a father, they lack male influence.
Boys who are deprived of a father figure have a harder time forming their male identity. They may be less confident, more shy, and immature.
Girls who haven't had the chance to observe family relationships may create an idealized image of a man that doesn't match reality.
Boys who are deprived of a father figure have a harder time forming their male identity. They may be less confident, more shy, and immature.
Girls who haven't had the chance to observe family relationships may create an idealized image of a man that doesn't match reality.
Surround the child with male influence.
Find reliable men in your environment: An uncle, grandfather, family friend, teacher at school, coach in a sports section – it's important for the child to have the opportunity to communicate with men who can serve as examples of courage, strength, responsibility, and care.
Enroll the child in a class or club where there is a male coach: Sports, music, technology – there are many fields where the child can gain experience interacting with a male mentor.
Read books with strong male characters: Positive heroes from books can fill the gap of male influence in the child's life.
Enroll the child in a class or club where there is a male coach: Sports, music, technology – there are many fields where the child can gain experience interacting with a male mentor.
Read books with strong male characters: Positive heroes from books can fill the gap of male influence in the child's life.
A father's contribution to a child's life is incredibly important. That's why I believe it's crucial to talk about it, share experiences, thoughts, and feelings. We, as men, need to understand that fatherhood is not just a duty; it is something deeper and more meaningful.
I would love to see more texts in the informational space written by fathers for fathers, with honest and open reflections on their experiences. After all, it is from them that future fathers can receive true support and understanding on their journey.