A father, as we have been taught right from grade school, is the head of the family. And I say that's true; a father is an important figure in the life of a child.
Over the years, I have grown to see that the role of a father is irreplaceable. It is one of the most important roles in society. The family, as we know, is the smallest unit in society, and whatever we are facing now in society is just a reflection of the family.
Over the years, the role of the father has been limited to providing for the basic needs of the family. And this had an adverse effect on the father-mother-child relationship. If I am asked the question, 'Who is a father?'
My answer would be:
The father is a role model. Everyone in the family is to look up to the father. I personally believe that the first role model for a child is the parent. We, as fathers, must be able to affect the lives of our children positively. Our children should always think of us first when they have a decision to make: "What would my father have done if he were in this situation?"
The presence of a father in a home can never be overemphasized. It is important for a father figure to be present in the family. Not all men are father figures in their families because of their lackadaisical attitude.
Fathers should love their family; children understand the concept of love. A father should always spend quality time with his family. I know we might all say we are busy. But spending time with one's family is paramount. This makes our children feel our presence.
A man should be disciplined; children watch how their fathers behave and tend to believe that the behavior of the father is what is acceptable in society. Let's say a man abuses his wife. The child would think it's natural for a man to be rude and abusive. Growing up to become an adult, the child would most likely abuse his own wife. Fathers should be disciplined and know that their kids are watching. Then we must learn how to correct our children when they go wrong. Let them know what kinds of behaviors are not accepted.
Fathers must be teachers; remember, the family is the first agent of socialization. The father should take the lead in teaching the children the acceptable norms and values in society. I remember a friend who is always punctual, telling me that he got the spirit of punctuality from his father. I was impressed by that. We need to teach them not by telling them what is right but by living it out. Children will always copy our actions more than our words.
Fathers must be respectful while dealing with members of their family. Being the head doesn't mean being rude. Tolerance is very important for a growing child to learn. We must show them how to respect other people's views and ideas. The value of respect is gradually disappearing from society because, at home, most kids see their fathers as dictators. Everything starts with them and ends with them. This brings about disunity in a family, as others will feel unvalued. The problem is that most times, as men, we tend to want to force respect from people, but the truth is, you can't force respect; you earn it.
Fathers play an important role in our lives. The role of a father is not about meeting the basic needs of the family alone but also that of a shepard, one who must always be present in a child's life. Distance is not a barrier to a father who really wants his family to stand out; he will always find a way to be in the lives of his family. Fathers play an important role in our society. As a man, if you are not a role model to your family members, then you have failed in your responsibility.
Men should rise up and take the lead. Let's not hand over the duty of raising our kids to women alone. A child with a father who plays an important role in his life would always turn out well.
Growing up, I always watched my father and the way he did things. Being a father, I have been able to transfer the salient lessons I learned from my father into my own life. And I can say it's a beautiful one. I know we are all busy making money and providing for our families. It is good that we are responsible for their welfare. But let's not forget to instill the right attitude in them as role models.
All Images are mine
