Dads often don’t get the credit they deserve. Even today, as more and more fathers, are taking on the full-time caretaking role or finding themselves as single fathers. Children are still seen as mostly the mothers’ responsibility, which is sad because fathers really do matter when it comes to their children’s development. With Father’s Day arriving, the importance of fathers is something that shouldn’t be forgotten.

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The Importance of Fathers

All parents, in general, parent differently. The fact that they do parent differently can be a huge benefit to their children.

Communication Style

Moms and Dads, women and men, tend to communicate differently. Shocker! Right? In relationships, like marriage, the different types of personalities can tend to balance each other out. The same goes for parenting. Moms usually tend to talk more “child-like” and put a lot of effort into talking in a way that their children will understand, which has its perks. I know that because I try to talk like my children and because I try to think like them I can understand them often times when others can’t.

A lot of times fathers use more complex, “adult” style of talking to their children. I will admit that sometimes this bugs me! Haha! I have said on numerous occasions, “honey, that is going to go way over his head.” However, with my background in education, I logically understand that there is a benefit to this communication style too. This will help prepare them for conversation outside of the home and encourages independence.

Sons and Dads

Little boys, especially, need their fathers. Boys will imitate their fathers and fathers will be the first standard of masculinity for boys. Boys also learn how to treat women from watching their fathers treatment of their mothers. Their self-esteem, potential success with future relationships, and behavior are greatly affected by their relationship with their fathers.

And on a personal note, I know that I love watching the interaction between my boys and their dad. I love watching them play together, wrestling around on the living room floor.

Daughters and Dads

Little girls need their daddies. Daughters look to their dads for protection, support, and love. The relationship between a father and daughter will have a huge impact on the types of relationships that the daughters will seek when they grow up.

Resilience and Building Self-Confidence

Everyone handles problem-solving differently. Most moms tend to comfort their children when they are upset or thrown off from a looming problem. Fathers, on the other hand, tend to comfort their children in a different. They try to encourage thought and exploration of new ideas and ways to solve/cope with the situation at hand.

Personally, I don’t think one way is better than the other. In fact, I think the two different approaches are a plus when it comes to raising children. This allows the children to feel secure and comforted by their mom, but learn how to be resilient and problem solve from their dad, which can aid in the boosting of self-confidence.

Risk Encouragement

While most moms tend to be a little more careful when it comes to allowing their children, especially small children, to take risks. Fathers are more of the “let’s do this” type of parent when it comes to risk. Risk encouragement is very important when it comes to learning new things and the future successes of your children.

Discipline

Let me just state that I understand that both parents discipline their children. I am a stay at home mom so I must discipline most of the time. However, I think that fathers are still looked at as the primary disciplinarian. Fathers tend to discipline with a firmer hand.

Mothers are more likely to try to reason with their children. Fathers tend to stick with strict boundaries when it comes to discipline. It might seem like moms and dads are not in sync when it comes to discipline, however, the two styles are actually a benefit and can be very effective when it comes to parenting the different personality types that your children might have.

Security

Security is definitely something you think about when you think about the importance of fathers. Don’t get me wrong I believe in the power of the “mama-bear.” However, the feeling of security has been linked more strongly with the father.

Team Work, Makes the Dream Work

Honestly, having a father that is active in the lives of his children, can help inspire the mothers to be better moms, and vice versa. It is all about working together for the betterment of your children.

The truth is fathers are very important when it comes to their children. This is not to take away from single moms or single dads. Tell your dad “thank you” today. Or tell your mom that was your dad “thank you. Father figures come in all shapes and sizes.

Happy Fathers Day!!!

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“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31