Fathers' contribution to children's growth

Mothers have more influence in the growth and development of their children compared to dads. This happens when dads' role in the family is more of providing financial support and does not contribute actively in raising their children.

Kids look up at their daddy for protection and consider them as heroes. The lack of attention or physical contact from their dads can affect their ability to perform in school. It could also lead to social and psychological problems as adults.

How can dads contribute to the growth and development of their children?

• Love your wife.

Children are able to feel and notice the emotions between their parents. They are able to absorb their parents' anxieties. They are able to gauge the tone of their parents' relationships.

Your attitude about love provides her the assurance and optimism about life. She will learn to develop and grow her own worthiness and self-esteem.

• Share the responsibilities.

Wives expect their husbands to contribute and participate in bringing up the children. Other than providing a home, safe environment and the basic needs for the women and children, they want the men to share with the household chores and disciplining the kids.

More women are now working and earning incomes to share and provide financial and economic support for the family. This has made it necessary that papa need to be around to help out with the personal growth of their kids.

• Allocate time for them.

Children need their daddy to do things with them. They will feel that you love them since you care for what they do and are willing to participate in their activities.

Spend time to play with them, to talk and to listen. Take them for walks and share their fascinations and curiosities.

The closeness between dads and their children will influence them in their careers, attitude and aptitude.

• What you become you attract.

Men with children have to manage their time for marriage and careers. Another responsibility is to bring up the kids. To enable them to do that, they have to learn how to manage themselves and set priorities so that they can be around for their families.

You are educating your child from your behavior, attitude and achievements. When you grow, you will influence and attract those around you to develop as well.

A child models her parents. She will look up at her mother for emotional support and to you for the directions of her future.

A dad's role is as important as a mother is. Children need the warmth presence of both their parents in their lives. Neglect them and you will destroy them.

Return to top of fathers page.