{"id":1031,"date":"2014-06-12T12:56:08","date_gmt":"2014-06-12T12:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kheopsinternational.com\/blog\/?p=1031"},"modified":"2015-10-08T22:11:17","modified_gmt":"2015-10-08T22:11:17","slug":"the-importance-of-a-father","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kheopsinternational.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-a-father\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of a Father"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"http:\/\/www.kheopsinternational.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-a-father\/\"<\/a>Fathers play an important role in the development of children into strong, capable adults.\u00a0 A father is often portrayed as the fearless protector of the family; one who instills discipline, solves problems and enforces the rules.\u00a0 Father figures provide stability and reassurance.\u00a0 Although mothers are most often depicted as the more emotive nurturer and hands-on caregiver, today’s dads also take a more hands-on role in parenting than in previous generations.<\/p>\n

Men are recognizing that their roles are expanding.\u00a0 They can, and do, enjoy being more nurturing and directly involved in the daily care of their children.\u00a0 Dads feed, diaper, play and take on many tasks that were traditionally reserved for the woman.\u00a0 Today, men are usually in the delivery room assisting the mother with childbirth.\u00a0 This was unheard of just a couple of generations ago.\u00a0 Gone are the days of the distant dad and frankly, that’s great.\u00a0 The more involved Dad is, the greater the benefit to his child.<\/p>\n

This expanded paternal brings many benefits.\u00a0 Kids form a deep bond of trust and look up to the father figure as a living example. Girls with strong paternal role models are more likely to have healthier relationships with men when they grow up; boys with a good father figure are better equipped to be successful dads themselves.<\/p>\n

In the distant past, men ruled the family with absolute, unquestioned authority.\u00a0 They were the dominant head of household, while all child rearing responsibilities fell upon the mother, but she was rarely credited for her contributions.\u00a0 In the last century or so, the roles shifted.\u00a0 A Father’s value to children was measured almost solely by his job and ability to provide; while his other contributions were minimized.\u00a0 Women were seen as the nurturers and caretakers, and men were there to earn a paycheck.<\/p>\n

Today the roles of both parents are valued and better understood. Research has shown that the role of a father is important on many levels. According to a report by the US Department of Human Services, \u201cThe Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children<\/em>\u201d, studies have shown that children who have involved fathers are more likely to be emotionally secure and confident. They are also more likely to develop better social connections as they grow older.<\/p>\n

It also goes on to state that the way father’s play with their young children has a large impact on their social skills development.\u00a0 Children with involved fathers also have better outcomes academically. Further research shows that fathers that take an active, nurturing role have children who develop stronger verbal communication skills and better levels of self-control.<\/p>\n

Dad may see himself as \u201cjust playing with the kids\u201d, but what he is actually doing is molding a strong foundation for that child to have a successful future in more ways than he may realize.<\/p>\n

As we prepare to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day, remember the important contributions that strong, loving men bring to the lives of their children.\u00a0 Good dads play a vital and meaningful part in the development of their sons and daughters into healthy, loving adults. Dads, take a moment to appreciate all that you contribute to your families; your importance deserves to be recognized.<\/p>\n