Send This Site to a Friend
IN PRAISE OF FATHERS
As June is the month we
celebrate fathers I’d like to dedicate this article to all fathers to be,
fathers, stepfathers and grandfathers.
Recently, I have reflected
on the role of fathers as I lost my own father a year ago this month. I was
fortunate that my father lived a long and productive life. The legacy he left
behind is strong and his influence remains with me and will remain with me
forever. His role in my life was very different than the role my mother
played yet he gave in ways that my mother wasn’t able to give. When I was
growing up in the mid-1950’s and the early 1960’s fathers didn’t have the same
kind of presence in families as they do today. For instance, there was
minimal involvement in our day to day care but nevertheless his presence was
always very evident. He was a man of very high moral convictions; he had a
deep respect for the English language and a keen interest in politics which
was reflected through his passion for books, magazines and newspapers. His
opinions around such subjects meant a lot to us and we weighed them
carefully. I remain grateful for the influence he had on my life.
Fathers of today play a
very different role from those in my father’s era.. They’re significantly
more involved in the day to day nurturing of their children. Many of them do
it with ease and we admire them for that. Many though having never been shown
have a more difficult time knowing how to carry out the role that
traditionally was only assumed by mothers. I think sometimes we forget that
what may come naturally to mothers does not come naturally to all fathers if
their own fathers were never involved in childcare. Thirty years ago fathers
weren’t even allowed in the delivery room and now they’re encouraged to
participate in the whole birthing process. Hurrah for that!
Fathers play a significant
role in children’s lives. I encourage all of us to honour their presence and
support the special relationship they have with our children whether they are
with them full time or part time. All children benefit from both a female and
a male influence. I think of my own children who share experiences with their
dad that are vastly different from those they share with me.. I think of my
son who shares his love of sports with my husband in a way that he couldn’t
with me. Our daughter’s relationship with my husband is quite different than
the relationship she has with me. Our children are all the more richer having
us both.
Barb Desmarais
Parenting and Life Coach
Give your children your best so that they can become their best.
web site:
http://www.theparentingcoach.com
Find More Related Info:
Also See:
Index of Parenting &
Raising Children
Teenagers & Teenage
Issues
Our Health and Wellness Center
