The changing and transforming society has inevitably also affected the parent-child relationship. The average income of the home, the education level of the parents, and the stretching of the sharp boundaries between responsibilities at work, family and gender roles have brought about changes in the roles of parents.
What are the benefits of the next generation of parenting models?
- Supports task sharing between spouses,
- Strengthens family empathy and commitment,
- Helps parents make time for themselves individually,
- It positively affects the psychology of parents,
- It increases the quality and efficiency of the time parents spend with their children.
At this point, the fact that men started to share responsibilities related to housework and childcare has also led to a change in traditional attitudes and behaviors regarding the phenomenon of paternity.
So, what are the positive effects of the new generation of fathers on children?
- Thetask undertaken in the home-work-life triangle can be exhausting for all parents, but the problems in this process should not be reflected to the child. This is important for the child’s psychology to progress in a healthy way.
- Spending time with children frequently and one-on-one provides the opportunity to observe their psychological or physical needs as well as to establish a close and sincere communication. In this case, it is of great importance to listen to him/her and take action in accordance with his/her needs.
- Children’s time with their fathers makes them feel valued. In this way, the interest and love that children encounter increase their self-confidence.
- The better the communication between father and child, the easier it will be for children to see their father as a role model.
Important Tips
- You can start a conversation when your child may be willing to talk. Once you know your child’s interests, you can share what you know about that area.
- Without interfering with what your child says; you can be sure that you understand him/her correctly by repeating what he/she says.
- Being flexible in your reactions to your child facilitates the communication process. You should state your own thoughts without criticizing them.
- Like adults, children learn by making their own choices and seeing the consequences; if you don’t see it as dangerous, you can choose not to intervene.
Acknowledging your child’s feelings, showing confidence, articulating their good points, and making time for new activities you will experience together are the best investments you can make for your child’s future.
Remember, a healthy family is a healthy child; a healthy child is a healthy adult. This cycle continues for years.
Wishing you more joyful moments with your child, Happy Father’s Day already!
Author: Psychologist Hayriye Sezer
