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Today is a very special day ; especially if you are a father. It is set apart to honor fathers. If you want to know the answer to the question “why is a father important,” you are in the right place.
Why is a Father Important?
Having a father figure present and involved during childhood is important for several reasons. Being a father covers a lot of territories. For starters, they protect and nurture. So, why is a father important? Let’s dive in to find out more.
Six Reasons Why Fathers are Important
1. Emotional Development:
- Fathers provide a sense of security and stability, which is essential for children to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and confidence.
- A positive father-child relationship fosters emotional intelligence, teaching children how to express and regulate their emotions effectively.
- Fathers often serve as role models for managing stress, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills, equipping children with valuable coping mechanisms.
2. Social Development:
- Children with involved fathers tend to have better social competence, communication skills, and the ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships.
- Fathers teach children important values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity through their actions and guidance.
- Paternal involvement can help children develop a stronger sense of empathy and concern for others, fostering positive interpersonal relationships.
3. Cognitive Development:
- Fathers frequently engage in intellectually stimulating activities with their children, such as reading, exploring the outdoors, and engaging in creative play, which can enhance cognitive abilities.
- Involved fathers often encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, laying the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning.
- Children with present and supportive fathers tend to have higher educational aspirations and achievement levels.
It is important to note that the role of a father figure is not limited to biological fathers. Fathers come in al shape, sizes and titles.
For example, consider all of the following categories:
- Stepfathers
- Foster fathers
- Grandfathers
- Other male role models
4. Gender Role Development:
Fathers play a significant role in helping children, especially sons, develop a healthy sense of masculinity and gender identity. They provide examples of positive male behavior and attitudes.
5. Protection and Safety:
Historically, fathers have been seen as protectors and providers for their
All of these individuals will significantly impact a child’s development positively. If you ever want to deep dive into your ancestry, there are ways to do this. First, visit your local library. You’d be surprise what resources await you. On the other hand, get yourself a DNA kit. It will give you a comprehensive account of your heritage.
6. Discipline and Guidance:
Fathers often take on the responsibility of setting boundaries, enforcing rules, and providing guidance to their children. This guidance helps children develop self-control, resilience, and an understanding of right and wrong.
The History of Father’s Day
Regarding the history of Father’s Day, the celebration originated in the United States. In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the idea of Mother’s Day, advocated for a day to honor fathers.
Dodd wanted to celebrate her own father, William Jackson Smart, a single parent who raised six children after his wife’s death. The first Father’s Day celebration took place on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.
President Lyndon B. Johnson Designated Father’s Day
However, it wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson officially designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Six years later, in 1972, President Richard Nixon established Father’s Day as a permanent national observance.
Since then, Father’s Day has become a widely celebrated occasion worldwide, with many countries adopting their own dates and traditions to honor the contributions of fathers and father figures.
The Significant Role of a Father
While the origins of Father’s Day stem from recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of a single father, the occasion has evolved to celebrate the broader significance of fatherhood and the invaluable role fathers play in shaping their children’s lives.
It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that a father’s presence, love, and guidance can have on a child’s overall well-being and future success.
Memories of My Father
In 20/20 hindsight, in my mind’s eye, We were blessed with an amazing father figure. My father was a strong, hardworking family man who made it his life’s work to keep a roof over our heads and keep food on the table. I can’t remember ever being hungry or having our basic needs neglected.
Of course, my mum gets almost as much credit as dad. She was also a very strong, hardworking individual who loved all twelve of her children. Here is a complete list of the Bryant tribe:
Roosevelt, Melvin, Lloyd, Herbert, Rosalind, Arthur, Beverley, Barbara, Stanley Calvin, Clarence and me. Unfortunately, Clarence was a stillbirth. Having this many children is mind-blowing to me. Year-to-date I only gave birth to one baby girl. However, in reality I have three step-children.
Getting back to dad, I never understood how any couple could afford to have more than three kids. Parenting is no walk in the park. I give my parent a 10 out of ten for all they were able to do for us. Mum was very creative in terms of her childcare skills.
Appreciate Your Father
Since we only get one father per lifetime, make sure to show love and appreciation to your father every day. Let them know that you care about them if possible. Good father’s are hard to come by. Show gratitude for your father. Let the know that you care.
Dad was a Jack of All Trades
Actually, the older siblings took care of the younger one for the most part. Also, they figured out a workable schedule. Although dad was a plumber and heating and air conditioner attendant, he was also a security guard at night. He worked in a high-risk area and had to carry a gun as a requirement.
One of my fondest childhood memories was going to work with my dad when he had to install one of those old fashioned chrome bathtubs. The client lived way up on the third floor of their complex. That must have been quite heavy going up all those stairs.
I was left waiting outside of his light blue work van with a ziplocked bag of grapes. Nowadays this probably would be called child neglect. Luckily, back in the day of my childhood kidnapping was not an issue. Knock on wood.
My Dad Was So Much Fun
Even though father’s are not always perfect, my father John had a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to make us laugh. He loved to clown around and would come outside where we were playing.
There was a huge oak tree outside in the yard and out of nowhere he would lift his leg up as if he was a dog peeing. As kids his actions really cracked us up. This was a part of his personality that we loved the most. Impromptu humor.
It Takes a Strong Back to Be a Good Father
When dad was home, he made it his point to interreact with us. Since he had a bad back he loved to lay on the floor, and we got a chance to walk on his back. This was one of my favorite memories of him. If you’ve never walked on your dad’s back, you are missing out, my friend.
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Dad was a Great Family Man
Growing up in a large family has it’s pros and Cons. On one hand, you get an early start on behavioral and socialization skills. My father was great at finding simple, enjoyable, fun activities. We had regular cookouts and BBQ’s in the local parks with oftentimes 75 -100 family members or more. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and sodas go a long way.
We also had frequents ferry boat rides from Newark to Jersey City and got to visit my dad’s sister’s farm in Hoboken, New Jersey. She raised chickens and goats. We loved her homemade salmon cakes and goat milk during our weekly outing.
House-Shopping with the Kids
Another pastime that I loved was riding through the suburbs while dad was shopping for a new home to buy. We always had a place to stay, oftentimes it was a nice sized home. House shopping was so much fun. Dad asked us which houses we liked the most.
My favorite was the ranch style. However, dad love the stucco properties. Eventually, dad purchased our first home when I was 13 years old. It was a two-storied, 5-bedroom house with a huge backyard. Everything that dad wanted.
Most of the older siblings had moved out and went their separate ways. Finally, there was some peace and quiet.
Tobacco Takes My Father Away
My father taught me how to work hard for what I want in life. Truth be told, my dad was not perfect. He had a temper at times, and he loved to smoke cigarettes for relaxation. Despite the fact that his doctor warned him to stop smoking, he was not able to slay his cigarette demons.
The Final Take Home
By the time he made up his mind to quit, it was too late. As a result, I lost my dad during my teenage years. Losing a parent is one of the worst experiences to go through. My dad’s legacy is all that I have left. The memories are still crystal clear. My dad was my hero and I am thankful that I had him in my life.
Happy Father’s Day!
Founder and CEO
(website) mybluegenes.com
(email)rachele@ mybluegenes.com