I think that one of the most beautiful scenes in the world is a child with his or her father. Active, involved fathers make a world of difference in the health of their children. We need to do all we can to support a father’s involvement in the life of their children.
Research shows that children with involved fathers are:
- less likely to die in infancy
- less likely to have emotional and behavioral problems
- less likely to suffer from neglect or abuse
- do better in school
- less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol
- are more likely to thrive as adults
Dads, Be Proud of the Role You Play, Be active, Be involved.
Your kids need to know that you care about them, that you see them, you hear then and you want to be there for them. What does that look like through the life stages:
Newborns need to be held. They need to hear the sound of your heartbeat and feel the strength of your chest. You are their security. You are their emotional stability, when Mom is going through her roller coaster emotions. Cuddle your baby often.
Babies need to see you respond to their smiles and their sounds. They look at your face and make a smile. They want to know that they are seen and loved. They need you to make goofy faces and play with them.
Toddlers need to be chased, tickled, and thrown in the air (Don’t worry, Moms, they’ll catch them). Dads play differently than Moms and that’s okay. Kids need this kind of physical activity. They need to know that it’s okay if they fall down. They need to know that it’s okay to take risks. They need to know that their Dad likes to have fun with them. They need to know that Dad sets consistent boundaries for their safety and well being and that saying “no” is one way Dad protects them. Play with your toddler.
Preschoolers are amazed at all that you know. They love to read with you. They want to be just like you when they grow up. They want to walk like you and talk like you. No pressure, but you’re their hero and they want everyone to know it! Set aside thirty minutes a day of undivided attention and play with your child.
School aged kids are learning about relationships. They are figuring out that boys and girls are different. They are looking to you to see what it means to be a man. Are you kind, protective, gentle, supportive, stable, artistic, musical, or athletic? Do you treat your wife, or their mother with love and respect? Children this age need lots of encouragement. Find hobbies or activities you can share together.
Teens need coaching, patience, and love. The teen years are full of hormones, brain remodeling, swinging emotions, and social pressures. All of this is going on while your teen is trying to figure our their own identity, likes and ambitions. While teens aren’t as dependent on you for their day to day needs, they may need you now more than ever. They need your example and your wisdom. They need to know you care about them and their interests. Go to their activities, events, or presentations. Share your faith, your music, and your interests. Coach them in their academics, relationships, and future career.
Young adults need their fathers to show them the value of being a supportive husband and active father. They need them to show them that being a Dad is good for Dads. Involved fathers have less depression, are happier, live longer, and are more involved in their community. Show your son that he should want to be and an active, involved father some day and your daughter that she should want that for her children.
Dads, we appreciate you. The next generation depends on you. We are better off with you in our lives. This Father’s Day, reach out to a young man on the brink of fatherhood. Mentor him. Show him what it means to be an all in Dad.
Healthy Global Kids 