While research tells us that embracing fatherhood will dramatically impact a child’s life, the father’s role used to be limited to providing the income. The changing role of fatherhood enables men to express their emotions and share the parenting role with the mother. It has changed dramatically over the years. As a child in the fifties, my parents had two distinct roles. My mother was the nurturer and my father was the breadwinner. He went to work, fixed things, and was the disciplinarian. The norm was unfair to fathers. Now, it’s different. It is assumed that fathers will be involved in the parenting process.

As a Child, My Father Was Involved

As a preschooler, I felt a rush of excitement when I saw my father’s car turn down our driveway. It was a special time when I ran to him and was swung up in the air. I remember his laughter and his genuine interest in my day. He made me a swing that provided endless enjoyment. I can remember being pulled in my red wagon all around the farm. It seemed like hours. I can still see his face as he trekked along the rugged paths. He was my hero!

Things Changed

As our family grew, My father’s work time increased. I am sure that the stress of additional children compelled him to add work hours to his day. But, as those special times with him became rare I experienced the changing role of fatherhood, first hand. He moved from an interactive father to a detached one. My mother was the full-time nurturer. She communicated with the school, provided help with my homework and was the mediator. Our family did not even eat our evening meals together. It was simply too late in the evening. After my father retired around sixty years old, I attempted to rekindle my relationship with him. While we spent some happy times together, there was still a sadness about the loss of quality time that we had missed.

Twenty-Five Years Later

Over the last twenty-five years or so, fathers have become more involved in child-rearing. Studies seem to indicate that this is due to: (1) more moms working and (2) parents splitting household tasks more evenly.

Online data helps to see the increase in father’s involvement with their children.

• 54 percent of dads said the biggest changes they observed involved shifts in parents’ roles.
• 22 percent of dads said one of the biggest changes in this generation is that families are busier than before.
• 25 percent say they are the main organizers in their families.
• 85 percent said they are somewhat or very involved in managing the family’s schedule.

Modern Mother

The modern mother is doing a better job helping the father to develop an attachment to the baby. She is including the father with prenatal activities like listening to the baby’s heartbeat and accompanying her on doctor’s visits, inviting him to the baby shower and more. In today’s homes, you may find multiple situations whereby a father or father substitute will be (1) preparing breakfast for his preschooler, (2) walking his grandchildren to the park each day for play and interaction or (3) helping with homework. These are all common practices in the lives of men with young children.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children with involved, caring fathers have better educational outcomes. A number of studies suggest that fathers who are involved, nurturing, and playful with their infants have children with higher intelligence, as well as better linguistic and cognitive capacities. The Bible directly speaks about the importance of fathers: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13.

Research

There is research from many sources that back up the need for fathers to have an active role with their children. Two of those sources are The School of Medicine at the University of Maryland and the University of Oxford in England. Their research revealed that involved fathers help children tremendously. A father that displays affection is supportive and involved in their child’s life will contribute to the child’s cognitive, language, and social development. A good relationship will increase academic achievement, a strong sense of well-being and good self-esteem which are all important elements to becoming a self-confident adult. Some suggestions are (1) read to your child, (2) take them on outings, (3) display an interest in their education, and (4) take an equal role in parenting.

According to a recent article that was written by Dr. Gail Gross and printed in the Huffington Post, “Your child’s primary relationship with his/her father can affect all of your child’s relationships from birth to death, including those with friends, lovers, and spouses. Those early patterns of interaction with their father are the very patterns that will be projected forward into all relationships…forever more: not only your child’s intrinsic idea of who he/she is as he/she relates to others but also, the range of what your child considers acceptable and loving.” See the article for the full content.

Children’s Comments

Some years ago, I wrote an article that was printed in the Gaston Gazette about fathers. I asked some children to tell me what was special to them about their father and here are a few of the comments.

• “He coaches football and teaches wrestling. My daddy is a baseball player he works in the yard, plants flowers, he cuts down trees to get the wood. I like it when he plays with me and cooks good food.”
• “My papaw is like my father. He loves me because he does stuff for me. We play. I rub his back for him. Sometimes, he gives me ice cream.”
• “My dad watches television with me. We go places. I sit in the chair with him. He gets me some milk.”
• “He has big muscles like my papaw.”
• “My father reads books. He fixed our swimming pool and I helped him. We play checkers and Candy Land. He fixes food and drinks.”
• “My dad teaches Sunday school. He is a good dad and helps me with my homework. I love him.”
• “Pop is fun. I like for him to play with me and my baby dolls.”

Last Thoughts

The changing role of fatherhood is a way for children to receive double the support. It is far better to co-parent and have the opportunity to build a lifetime of memories with your child. Happy Father’s Day!

—Wanda

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, pasukaru76.