5 Reasons Why Children Need Dads – Guest Post by Danny

In today’s world the traditional family dynamic is undergoing many changes. However, children still need the love, guidance, and influence of both parents in their lives. A father figure brings enrichment to a child’s life that only a father can. Regardless of the changes taking place in the world, a father’s place remains important in helping to raise his children. Here are five strong reasons why dads need to spend more time with their children:

1. They Need You

As a parent, you can tell your child a hundred times a day that you love him, but if you are only able to say it over the phone, Skype, Facetime, etc., those words will start to ring hollow very quickly. Children need physical time with you, whether it’s running around at the park, going to a sporting event, or just lounging around the house watching some TV together. Your child wants your hugs and your smiles, not your words. That’s what we call “parenting 101.”

2. You’re the Main Influence in Their Lives

Very few people will come into your children’s world that will have as significant impact on them as you. Parents are the first and most important role models kids have. They look to you and your behavior to learn how to be a good adult and how to live a productive, happy life in harmony with the world and the people in it. Your children learn about right and wrong from you, honor, and about how to raise a family. These are things that your child will remember all their life and will hand down to their own children. So make sure they have something of value to teach.

3. You Help Them Succeed

Society today is quick to blame a child’s flaws on the parents. Even those who grow up in the best of homes can go astray, but the likelihood of this happening is exponentially lower in homes with a strong male presence. Children from two-parent homes stand a greater chance of being successful and well-adjusted than those who have only minimal contact with their fathers.

Statistics prove that the presence of a father who is committed to raising responsible, respectful, and happy children helps them to succeed in school, form better friendships, successful careers, and healthy relationships. You want your child to have every possible advantage in life, and that begins with your presence and participation as he or she grows up.

4. You’re Helping Future Generations

Your boy will learn from you what kind of man, father, husband, coworker, and friend to be, and your girl what to expect in other men. They will grow up and raise the next generation of your family. You will lay the foundations for how they will do that and the values they will instill. Never throughout the history of the world has there been a more important time for us as a society to teach our children good values such as honesty, kindness, fairness, respect, integrity, and responsibility.

Look into your children’s eyes and see the potential that is in them, and know that you are the main source of their learning. Children idolize their parents, and a father is an omnipotent figure in their eyes. Give your child every ounce of advice, knowledge, and lessons that you possibly can, knowing these treasures will not only benefit them but future generations to come.

5. You Can Learn From Your Child

While your children are learning from you, you might be surprised to find that you are learning some things from them as well! Children have an inane sense of fun, adventure, and glee that most of us lose as we grow up and ace the drudgery of life’s responsibilities. Take your child’s hand and let them lead you into their world for a while. Get down on the floor or in the grass and see things from their perspective. Remember how much fun it is to chase a Frisbee, toss a ball, or fingerpaint.

Don’t worry about that ice cream cone dripping on your shirt; look at the smile it has put on your child’s face. Allow yourself to learn to let go of stress and worries even if just for a little while, and let your child teach you how to be a child again.

No one can ever take your place in your children’s lives. The more time you spend with them, the more memories you are making together, and the more they learn from you, the more respect and love you earn! The time you spend with your child is the most valuable time you will ever spend anywhere, anytime, doing anything.

~~~~~

Danny is the owner and founder of My Parenting Journal. He started it as a resource for parents because he believes it’s best to get prepared so that you can become a better parent for your little ones.