Happy Father’s Day

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by

T&T Anglican Diocese
in ,

Happy Father’s Day

“One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters”. George Herbert
With the shift of T&T households towards single-parent/mother-lead homes, the question about the role and importance of fatherhood would inevitably arise.

Research affirms that an involved father can play a significant role in child development. According to a report cited in Psychology Today, even from birth, children with an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections. Michael Jordan’s testimony is, “My father used to say that it’s never too late to do anything you wanted to do”… “You never know what you can accomplish until you try. “. Do you think it helped Michael achieve his status? Remember the role that Serena and Venus Williams’ dad played? Or Tiger Woods’ father? Fathers make a difference in a child’s life.

There needs to be a minimum of time spent…and we do not mean television watching time. Boys learn to be men by watching their fathers even if they choose to do differently as they get older. The father-daughter bond is one of the most important ones. It provides emotional confidence, and he acts as a foil in times when there is a conflict with the mother. Fathers provide the basis for self-worth and self-esteem. They contribute to emotional stability which leads to better behavioural practices.
Here are some tips on being a great father:

Spend time with your children. Know that time flies, and soon they will not need you but until then, enjoy them. Make the most of the time you have with them. Do not think they belong to the mother; they are yours as well.
Show them, love. This is not the same as ‘spoiling them’, but it is about letting them know that they are special and that you will always be there for them. Be their rock that never goes away but is present when needed. When they least expect it, show them, love.
Help them make decisions. While it is easier to tell them what to do, it is better to help them understand how to decide what to do. Give them room to decide small things at first and then larger things as their confidence grows. This will help them be able to deal with new situations when you are not present. In the training time, expect to have them make mistakes. Do not blow your top…it is part of growing up. It will form part of stories you will tell when they get older. See the mistakes as creating stories.
Above all, have some reading time with them. Books are important ways of seeing and learning about the wide world. Reading is an important skill for success when they go to work. Help them read. Show them that reading is fun and can be enjoyed. Turn off the television and read aloud. Read often. Read while they are playing: they will see you and know it is important.

Do not be afraid. Children are resilient and will survive our mistakes. The key is to be there for them and with them.

Happy Father’s Day

Article taken from Market Facts & Opinions: https://www.facebook.com/mfocaribbean/posts/1725862547467284