Why must fathers pitch in?
Simply because children need role models and boys need male role models. And since a vast majority of school life is likely to be dominated by women, it becomes vital for fathers to spend time with their children. And no, catching up on work whilst sitting next to them doesn’t count.
What impacts far more is the undivided attention the child receives, even if just for 20 minutes. The most crucial thing for dads to understand is that even when they are not the primary caregiver for their kid(s), their presence leaves a mark.
However there is an incredibly short window of opportunity for fathers to create a bond with their little ones — firstly because our modern era has somewhat erased the boundary between work and home and secondly because our kids are fascinated by us for only a short period of time. (Yes, parents move down the list of favorites every year)
Which is why the next question is how can fathers make the most of what little time they have?
1. Reading: There is evidence that boys are slipping further behind girls in reading — this emphasizes how important it is that dads are positive role models to their sons as well as their daughters when it comes to reading.
2. Asking Questions: Just inquiring about someone’s day makes the other feel important and when it comes to kids nothing matters more than that.
3. Cuddles: Somtimes feel-good hormones are all you need.
4. Catching Up: Watching something together or playing a game with one another can give both father and child something to talk about.
5. Chores: When fathers step up to engage in errands around the house, it sends a clear message to little ones that everyone does their part so something as simple as taking out the trash or cleaning up after dinner can normalize a great many stigmas regarding contribution towards chores.
So here’s to hoping that this checklist would remind us that mums and dads are on the same team.
What impacts far more is the undivided attention the child receives, even if just for 20 minutes. The most crucial thing for dads to understand is that even when they are not the primary caregiver for their kid(s), their presence leaves a mark.
However there is an incredibly short window of opportunity for fathers to create a bond with their little ones — firstly because our modern era has somewhat erased the boundary between work and home and secondly because our kids are fascinated by us for only a short period of time. (Yes, parents move down the list of favorites every year)
Which is why the next question is how can fathers make the most of what little time they have?
1. Reading: There is evidence that boys are slipping further behind girls in reading — this emphasizes how important it is that dads are positive role models to their sons as well as their daughters when it comes to reading.
2. Asking Questions: Just inquiring about someone’s day makes the other feel important and when it comes to kids nothing matters more than that.
3. Cuddles: Somtimes feel-good hormones are all you need.
4. Catching Up: Watching something together or playing a game with one another can give both father and child something to talk about.
5. Chores: When fathers step up to engage in errands around the house, it sends a clear message to little ones that everyone does their part so something as simple as taking out the trash or cleaning up after dinner can normalize a great many stigmas regarding contribution towards chores.
So here’s to hoping that this checklist would remind us that mums and dads are on the same team.