Fatherhood

1 Pages 292 Words

The roles of the father in these days are no different than in any age. The child should find in parents support, love, understanding, freedom to grow, develop and unfold according to an inner need and an inner guidance.
. Today, however, men are beginning to take a bigger part in raising their children. This change in the role of the father may be observed in a number of ways.

The most important change, however, is in the strong relationships many men now have with their children. Fathers who have spent more time with their children know them better and can help them to mature. Men are different from women: more physical, louder, and bigger. We throw our little kids into the air, play wrestling games with our sons, yell when our kid scores a run. And, as a result of the time we have spent together, we can talk with our kids, too. When a father is around more with his children, he has a chance to answer the important questions that they will often ask. The stronger relationships that result are important to all members of a family, not only to the children, but also to the wife who now has a bit more time to explore other roles in work and play.

The changing roles of the father has benefited the family in many ways. Dads have discovered that they can cook, direct children in the kitchen, and even that this can be fun. We go on outings together; we have fun in the park and playground. And when there are problems, sometimes the children come to dad and talk.

Twenty years ago, psychologists doubted that fathers were influential in shaping the experiences and development of their children. But that thinking has changed....