The importance of Dad!
There is so much research and information about the importance of dad’s being involved in their children’s lives. I had such a dad…he was a Methodist minister and took care of so many other people in our communities that sometimes, I felt we - as a family, we took the backseat. As I am older and more wise to the ways of adulthood, I realize he was ALWAYS there for us. He provided financially, though my mother worked as well for many years of my childhood.
My dad provided for and allowed us to have many of the things we wanted. Even all the pets we were allowed to have surprises me. From frogs to wild animals, he provided a place for us to love, cherish, feel the pain of loss and learn from taking care of something.
And he was ALWAYS a guiding light. He enjoyed conversations with us, especially as we grew and had opinions of our own. I ALWAYS saw his eyebrow rise or a smirking smile when I was on the edge of some belief or another. He loved knowing how we felt and how we saw the world. I miss him everyday and especially sad when I think that my children missed out on his love of humanity.
Photo by Alena Darmel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-family-having-fun-7322368/
Dad’s truly play significant roles in families. They are role models. Our children watch and learn how they traverse the world. It is not easy. They witness how Dad’s handle stress and how they play. They learn the difference between mom’s discipline and dad’s. (It’s okay to be different.) Daughters learn about the character traits of men to marry and look for the father of their children. Sons learn how to be a man, husband and father.
Dads really do matter. Children need fathers – just as they need mothers – to love them, to be interested in them and to respond to their needs, making them feel valued and understood.
https://childpsychotherapy.org.uk/resources-families/understanding-childhood/fathers-understanding-vital-role-fathers-father-figures
Dad’s provide emotional support, they are seen as protectors and can provide intentional encouragement. My dad was all of that.
As I worked in education and witnessed families where Dad’s were present and intentional, I noticed better academic performance and fewer behavior problems. It seemed they had more self-esteem.
So, on this Father’s Day, I am in “humble thanks” to my dad and my grandfathers’. I so appreciate the man I am married to and all he does for our family. His children and mine, “ours”. All of our combined grandchildren. Dad’s make a difference in multiple generations.
