Bonding: Dads and Kids.

Are you a Dad? Do you want your children to grow strong and confident? Do you know that meeting their material needs is just a part of the whole responsibility that comes with being a Dad and that there is so much more?

Your role as 'Dad' to your children is of utmost importance in shaping and moulding their lives. It's making time for your children by ensuring that they are well grounded in every aspect of life. And no Dad, that's not 'Mummy's job'. It's yours as well. Your children's all-round growth is a responsibility you both share.

A lot of men were raised in the 'traditional' family setting where they had little or no interaction with their fathers because of the erroneous societal notion that fathers are to be seen and not felt. Thankfully, in recent times, quite a number of Fathers have turned this around by commiting to be better Fathers. They take bonding with their children very seriously and are involved in their day-to-day lives in spite of their busy schedules.

The following is from an article 'The Importance Of Father-Child Bonding' in  Parenting Weekly- "Recent studies have suggested that children whose fathers are actively involved with them from birth are more likely to be emotionally secure, confident in exploring their surroundings, have better social connections with peers as they grow older, are less likely to get in trouble at home, and are less likely to use drugs and alcohol."

It further states, "Fathers also tend to encourage independence and achievement, in contrast to nurturing and protective nature of mothers, both of which play an important role in a child's healthy development."

Dads, your children are more confident and assertive when you spend time with them. For your son(s), it helps him to develop a healthy gender identity. It also downplays aggression in that child and encourages respect for the opposite sex. Also, when a Father interacts with his daughter(s), it boosts her self-esteem and she is less likely to be involved in destructive relationships since Daddy has shown what real men are about.

You can be a good Dad to your children by doing the following:

1) Spend quality time with them. Children love to talk.  Ask them questions, you'd be amazed at what they know. It's a way to find out how much they really know and what actions or corrections are to be made.

2) Be involved in their activities both academically and socially. You can help with homework or at least ask about school, their teachers' names, their friends, their favourite colours and so on. They'll only be too glad to share.

3) Train your children. Exert your authority as the Head of the home. When they do wrong, don't send them to Mummy for correction. You have to make your place known as the Head of the home and exert your authority. Let them know that you would not tolerate bad behaviour. One of the most effective ways to do this is to lead by example.

4) Play with your children. Children love to play. Besides, Dad, you were once a child and you wanted someone to play with you. There are all kinds of games you can play with them. Classic games like 'Hide and Seek', 'Building' games, Board games and so on. Researchers believe that Dads that play with their children have higher IQs and better linguistic and cognitive capacities.

5) Dads, there is no excuse, there are countless places you can take your children to. Take your children out. Let them interact with other children but under your close watch. Plan vacations together. Go on monthly visits to different places or simply take walks with them. It refreshes the whole family.

Dads, spending time with your children is time well spent. It will leave a lasting and  positive mark in their lives. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Bonding Dads!

Team Kidz Avenue.

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