Dads, You Matter Too
It’s a sad truth, but Dads are often overlooked when it comes to raising kids. Despite this, many of us know that without strong and positive men in our lives, we wouldn’t be who we are today. With the addition of our first child, Dorothy, this has been top of mind for me. Just a few short decades ago, the words, “parent” and “mother” were basically synonymous. It’s time for a shift in our thought patterns regarding dads and fatherhood.
A Dad’s Purpose
In the past, a dad's sole purpose within the family was to provide and protect. Mom, on the other hand, was the housekeeper, child-bearer, and caretaker. This is an overwhelmingly inaccurate ideal that men are not meant to raise children, and there was a stigma that men could not be a stay-at-home parent or even an active member in the raising of a child.
Paternal bonding can have positive impacts on social and emotional well-being and educational development. One-on-one interactions increase the child's ability to regulate their feelings and behaviors. This helps them to build strong, positive relationships with themselves and others as they grow up.
Impacts of Positive Father Figures
Dads have a great impact on their child’s well-being and future growth. The impact of fathers who have a positive involvement in their children’s lives has far-reaching effects. These impacts include:
Well-being and general health of their kids
Increased self-esteem in the child
Positively influence the opinion that girls have regarding men (this can help them choose healthier relationships in the future)
Establish a strong male role model and father figure for young boys and their future families
Fathers tend to provide a sense of security, both physically and emotionally. An involved father-figure promotes inner growth and strength, kids want to make their dad proud. Studies have shown that when a father is affectionate and supportive, it has a great impact on a child’s cognitive and social development.
This Relationship Impacts Future Relationships
How dads interact with their children can influence the future relationships kids have with other people. Friends, lovers, and spouses will be shaped in some way by how the child perceived the meaning of the relationship with his or her father. The patterns a father sets in the relationships with his children sets the tone on how they will relate with other people.
Yes, Dads are Awesome
Anyone can father a child, but being a dad takes a lifetime. Dads are truly amazing. They are the first ones to teach us new things. They push us to work hard. They help us grow up to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. They might make mistakes sometimes, we love them anyway, they’re only human after all.
Thank you to all the amazing Dads out there. We wouldn’t be the people we are today without you!
While many people have amazing fathers, you might not have that great relationship or bond with yours. This childhood trauma can follow you throughout your life and cause pain and other issues. At Open Heart Holistic Therapy, I use EPT and the science of forgiveness to heal and move forward. Let me help you get to the root of your pain. Schedule a Free 30-minute consultation 813-922-8768 or appointment online.