Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy. Yet I shouldn't have felt that way!
My wife had left for work and I was hanging the washing out to dry. A neighbour from down the way was in his backyard doing the same. 'Good day for drying', he called. 'Let's hope the rain stays away.'
I had to think about what made me uneasy. Then it hit me. Two men hanging out the washing!
When I was a kid that would never have happened. That was women's work, after all!
And that made me think about the changing role of men and fatherhood.
Change is seldom easy, hence the deeply buried sense of unease - even in someone like me who considers himself an enlightened individual!
The image of fatherhood has changed very much in recent years, hasn't it?
We've come a long way from the distant, unemotional, patriarch figure. The god-like master who provided for his family, but didn't expect to be troubled by family issues!
After World War II there was a definite shift. Men became much more involved in the play and leisure areas of family life.
Maybe this was due to the separation caused by the war and consequent feelings of vulnerability. But men still didn't get involved in household chores!
Today we see a much more enlightened image of the male as a co-parent, getting involved in all aspects of family life and pulling his weight in the home.
Or do we? . . .
Are we really there yet? Some men are moving in the right direction. Others need a gentle push!
Perhaps they need encouragement more than anything.
Young boys tend to see their dads as role models and often absorb, even unconsciously, their dads attitudes and habits. So if some of today's dads haven't witnessed and experienced the input of an involved father, the role may not come easily to them.
And yet a dad's involvement in family life has so much benefit both for the children, the mother and the dad himself.
By pulling their weight with the household chores Dads give a good example to their kids AND they help ease the burden on an all too often over-burdened Mum.
By getting involved in play and educational activities Dads can help build that vital relationship on which confidence depends - their own confidence as parents and the confidence of their kids:
So much to be gained, for all parties involved!
So if Dad is a rather reluctant participant in family matters, remember that as well as a firm push he may need lots of encouragement.
After all, the role may not come easily since hundreds of years on non-involvement are in his genes.
Let's all look forward to the day when hanging up the laundry is no big deal for a Dad!
Happy parenting.
Why do some parents and children succeed, while others fail? Frank McGinty is an internationally published author and teacher. If you want to develop your parenting skills and encourage your kids to be all they can be, visit his web pages, http://www.frank-mcginty.com/peace-formula.html AND http://www.frank-mcginty.com/peace-formula.html
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ..Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
Q. We just got our daughter's progress report, and it... Read More
In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More
"Not another meeting!"That tends to be the reaction from many... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More
Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
Have you ever experienced one of those days when you... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
My oldest boy is fifteen and was a real jerk... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Do you feel like someone has abducted your sweet, innocent... Read More
Parental example, whether for good or for bad, is undoubtedly... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
My thirteen-year-old daughter recently called me up to say she... Read More
Parental Alienation Syndrome was probably first identified and codified by... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
What makes parenting so challenging at times? One widespread research... Read More
Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and... Read More
My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More
Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Recently, our family had the opportunity to care for sisters'... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
What is a parenting problem?Parenting is a tough job, we... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
Not so long ago a dad-to-be would pace up and... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
Get into their world. The world that teens are growing... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
One of the most prevalent problems of the computer age... Read More
Parenting |