Parenting is not meant to be a one-sided affair. Apart from situations that can’t be helped, fathers have equal roles to play as the mothers, and sometimes, even more important and crucial in shaping the personality of the children.
I have two daughters who really, really adore their dad. It’s true that they are also scared of his discipline at the same time, but when given a choice, they’d want Daddy to carry them, hold their hands and play with them. It’s an unexplainable connection and attachment they have with their dad. I am also a daughter myself, so I would understand first-hand how all these work. I adore my dad too, and even though during my growing-up years, I spent a lot more time hanging around my mum, it’s my dad whom I really found a deep connection with. We could chit chat about anything and everything under the sun, about the problems he faced at work, about my own family issues etc. He is like a friend to me.
So I ask myself, ‘Why?’ Why do I feel that I can chat more with my dad than my mum, when my mum obviously spent more time with me?
And I came to the conclusion that it’s because my dad does not nag and whine, like my mum would do sometimes. Women would easily jump to conclusions and ask clarification questions before the whole story is presented. I know it too well, as I am a woman and a mum myself. Men generally listen until the end before passing a judgment. Therefore, it’s easier to talk to men. And maybe that’s why my girls love their daddy so much. Their daddy doesn’t nag as much as their mummy. Ahem. But come on, I need to look into the nitty gritties of life, like whether they’re eating their greens, clearing up their toys, doing their homework, blah blah blah!
My point is, Daddies are really so important because they are like the anchor in the hearts of their children. They find security in knowing that Daddy is around. They feel safe knowing they can run to Daddy in case of anything. Somehow, everything feels complete when Mighty Daddy is around. Research has shown that children who grew up with a strong Daddy figure in their lives turned out to be more confident and happier people. The father figure was obviously a critical element in personality and thoughts shaping.
If you are a dad, don’t belittle your role! You’re so very important to the family! And I thank God everyday that my kids have a wonderful daddy! =D
