Nowadays, being a father comes in many forms. Today’s fathers have started to take on roles differently from fathers of the previous generations. Instead of following the footstep of their fathers, dads nowadays have a strong desire to treat their own children differently to how they were fathered.
They wish to make up for what they did not have during their childhood. They understand the importance of play with their children in the evenings and at the weekends. They wish to develop a more open and connected emotional relationship with their children.
As fatherhood is gaining more attention in these recent years, we wish to shout out to loving dads who are committed to take up the challenge of parenthood. Let’s check out some new roles that dads nowadays are more involved in.
Celebrating Fatherhood As Dads Take On These Four New Roles
#1 Dads as the nurturers
Let’s forget about dads who only provide financial support to their families. Dads can be nurturing to build a strong bond with their spouses and children. Dads nowadays spend more quality time with their children. They have learnt to express their care and to give their attention to their children.
They learn to feed their babies. They learn to change their diapers. They even learn how to bathe their babies. Dads nowadays also seek for deeper connections with their children through family activities and outings. They wish to connect with their children genuinely without distractions.
On top of this, they also help out their spouses with the housework like doing the laundry and washing the dishes.
This certainly make a difference in the parenting world as dads are now embracing parenting as an essential part of their identity. They find parenting to be rewarding and enjoyable while they are seeking for some balance between work and parenting.
#2 Dads as the educators
The exciting task of reading the bedtime stories to your children can be done equally well by dads. Dads can even help out their children in completing their homework and assignments. They are more willing to participate in school activities as they do not wish to miss out their children’s life moments.
Dads nowadays are here to tell you that the children’s education should not only be the mother’s responsibility. Here are some ways dads can bond with their children besides actively involve in their learning:
- modelling reading behaviours
- playing games or sports
- teaching the children a skill
- watching educational TV shows
- exploring interests
Related: For committed dads, check out the tip cards here and find out how you can support and encourage your school-age children’s growth and development.
#3 Dads as the emotional supporters
Dads used to be a disciplinarian where they resort to reprimanding and punishing to discipline their children.
Fortunately, more and more dads understand that they can fulfill the role of the disciplinarian in a safer and more respectful way. They are learning to communicate their expectations to their children with appropriate boundaries.
Besides, they teach their children how to face adversity with courage and how to stay calm under stress. Other than that, dads get their children to make and learn through their mistakes. They show their children that it is okay to fail in life as long as they do not give up.
Rather than keeping a strict face throughout the day, dads nowadays also understand that playful fathers can have positive impact to their children’s emotional development. Therefore, they learn to let loose and have fun with their children.
With this, children are able to develop higher level of self-esteem and confidence.
#4 Dads As Role Models
Dads are here to educate their children to be respectful individuals that are respected by others through their love and respect towards their spouses.
When a dad treats his wife with love and respect, he actually helps to shape his daughter’s opinions of men positively. She can also learn to reinforce her self-worth by knowing how a woman should be properly treated with dignity, love and kindness.
This applies the same for the boys, too. They will equally learn to behave like a gentleman and treat women in a respectful manner.
Celebrating Fatherhood With Abundance of Attention, Praise and Acknowledgement
Kudos to all fathers who are embracing the new roles of being a more involved dad. We are here to celebrate what you have been contributing for the family and we are here to tell you that you are not the odd out.
Having you to change the baby’s diaper is what you can be proud of. Having you to comfort a cranky toddler is what you can be comfortable with.
So, let’s celebrate good and committed fatherhood!
For dads, forgive yourself for the times where you may feel like you are not the partner or the father you aspire to be.
For mums, get your children to show more love and recognition towards their father’s active involvement in parenting. Putting aside the gift ideas of a tie or a ‘World’s Best Dad’ mug, you can encourage your children to show their appreciation through written cards or daily physical affections like hugs and kisses.
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