Fathers have a direct impact on the well-being of their children. Even from birth, children who have an involved fathers are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections with peers. These children also are less likely to get in trouble at home, school, or in the neighborhood.
The way fathers play with their children also has an important impact on a child's emotional and social development. Fathers spend a much higher percentage of their one-on-one interaction with infants and preschoolers in stimulating, playful activity than do mothers. From these interactions, children learn how to regulate their feelings and behavior. Children who grow up with involved fathers are more comfortable exploring the world around them and more likely to exhibit self-control and pro-social behavior.
One study of school-aged children found that children with good relationships with their fathers were less likely to experience depression, to exhibit disruptive behavior, or to lie and were more likely to exhibit pro-social behavior.This same study found that boys with involved fathers had fewer school behavior problems and that girls had stronger self-esteem. In addition, numerous studies have found that children who live with their fathers are more likely to have good physical and emotional health, to achieve academically, and to avoid drugs, violence, and undesired behavior.
In short, fathers have a powerful and positive impact upon the healthy development of children and to create a safe environment for children.
Number of research studies indicate that fathers contribute in valuable ways to their children's development when they are actively and positively involved in child development process. No doubt, fathers have great impact on child development but the question is how to reach and involve them in their children's development process.
ReplyDeleteI believe, early childhood educators and specially mothers can make them realize about their importance in child development. They must encourage fathers to talk with their children. Also, involvement of fathers should be an integral part of any ECD program.
Khowaja, you have raised a very important issue and topic for discussion. Yes, fathers play a pivotal role in their child's development but the question is how? For that I have the following perspective based on my experience: I can suggest the following:
ReplyDelete- Buy age appropriate toys and books for your child.
- Read stories to your child before s/he goes to bed only for few minutes (may be 10 to 15 minutes).
- Ask your child what s/he did the whole day? talk about his/her likes and dislikes + the reasons. Talking to children enables parents to know their children's activities, their desires and needs.
Secondly, the children themselves know that their fathers are interested in listening to them so they take more interest.
When your child tells you something, please, listen to him/her cos it means, they want your attention. Never ignore or say, I will listen to you next time cos that will give the child a signal that you are not more interested in his/her talk.
- Always talk nicely, friendly and respectfully cos they learn the behavior from parents. They copy and act accordingly.
- Teach them to differentiate between 'Do/s" and "Don't/s" Be firm about those rules.
At the end, give love to your child so s/he can be lovely person because love and care is important than everything.
Hope this helps.
Safida Begum