Give Dads a Chance!

“Gifted” Dads 

There is a healthy trend of fathers being more involved with their children these days than ever before! Fathers are actively taking part in helping with homework, reading, and engaging their kids in conversation, as well as preparing meals and ensuring that dinnertime is family time. This is good news on many fronts.

When fathers are more involved as caretakers the benefits are undeniable.

According to studies of parent-child relationships at Pennsylvania State University, there is a consistent correlation between fatherly presence and a lack of aggression for kids from all walks of life. There are also fewer psychological problems through out their lives and higher IQ scores by the age of 3! Other research affirms that children develop better linguistic and cognitive skills, increased academic readiness, better emotional security and better social connections, as they get older. So why has it taken so long for this healthy trend to emerge?

Society just hasn’t given Dads a chance.

Misconceptions of what it means to be a strong male role model created a mindset that can show up in the form of eye-rolls and little “jokes” smacking of assumptions and bias. These social challenges have led fathers who would like to have been more involved or happily become stay at home dads (SAHD) to instead, shy away for fear of judgment based on myths about masculinity.

Thankfully, things are changing. The number of parents who share housework, feedings, bathing, and homework for their kids is on the rise. The idea that a fulfilling job does not always mean a paycheck but means responsibility is finally taking root.

There’s a lot of talk about being “woke” these days, much of it beneficial, some of it misled. But there’s no doubt, this kind of awakening is good for everyone. When fathers are actively present in their children’s early lives, the positive impact on their children contributes to a better future for society in general in the best of ways.

Fathers who see their child as a gift more easily give themselves as a gift to their child.

So, go ahead Dad, dance with a vacuum, jog with a stroller, get creative with a crockpot, and give yourself as a gift to your wife and kids.

You won’t regret it and they won’t forget it!

Are you a gift to your children?

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”

1 Peter 4:10

“My Father didn’t tell me how to live.

He lived and let me watch him do it.”

Clarence Budington Kelland

Have a Joyous Father’s Day!