THRIVE: The Impact of Fathers’ Role in Parenting
When my children were younger, I envied the relationship they had with my husband. I felt like their dad was the fun parent and I was the one they were forced to have. He was a delicious piece of cake, and I was asparagus. Fast forward to the elementary and middle school years, and I feel very different.
When children are in the early stages of development, most parenting techniques involve nurturing, not back-and-forth engagement. The lack of reciprocity can be problematic for some fathers. I have witnessed many dads excel in this area, but others struggle with this early stage of parenting. Although it may not look like what you want, I can assure you that significant development and growth occur in the father-child relationship during the early years.
I would like to highlight a few key aspects to nurture throughout the parenting process, including the transition into young adulthood. Each of these things are essential and should be applied from the grueling and challenging stages of infancy to the anxiety and mental stress of young adulthood. It’s never too late—and certainly never too early.
Promote Child Development
My husband often takes a playful and interactive approach with our son. I vividly remember how, with a mix of excitement and anxiety, I would watch him toss our son into the air, catching him safely each time. Although this often made my heart race, I grew to appreciate the deep trust and security it fostered between them. My son learned that he could rely on his dad to be there to catch him, reinforcing a strong father-son bond.
Fathers who take an active role in their child’s life play a crucial role in promoting their child’s emotional and cognitive development. Their participation not only builds self-esteem and resilience but also enhances social-emotional skills that are vital for navigating everyday interactions.
Emotional Support and Stability
During the sports season, which seems to stretch endlessly throughout the year in my house, I often find the boys nestled together, absorbed in a comfortable silence that speaks volumes. As a mother, I crave the sound of lively conversations and playful banter, yet there’s something truly serene about their quiet camaraderie. In those moments, words become unnecessary; their bond is palpable, wrapped in a calm understanding. My husband plays a pivotal role in this dynamic, providing a soothing influence in a world that often feels chaotic and overstimulating. I am filled with deep appreciation for this. A father’s steady presence and emotional support create a haven for children, allowing them to navigate life’s challenges gracefully.
Modeling Effective Coping Strategies
Fathers can be powerful role models in navigating stress, frustration, and complex emotions. By showcasing effective coping mechanisms, they equip neurodivergent children with vital tools to face challenges and constructively manage their emotions. Children must witness moments of healthy aggression, frustration, and the full spectrum of human emotions expressed authentically by both parents, not just their mothers. Fathers play a pivotal role in showing that emotions are a shared experience, reinforcing that it’s normal for both parents to feel and express a wide range of feelings.
In our house, my husband takes the lead with family movie night. We used to allow the children to choose, but as they’ve gotten older, we’ve taught them reciprocity. My husband researches new shows and presents them to the whole family. This is not something I would have executed well; if it was up to me, we would only watch decorating and gardening shows.
Fathers can strengthen the overall family dynamic. Shared responsibilities between parents create a more balanced environment, reduce stress on one parent, and foster a supportive, cohesive home life for the child.
Unique Perspectives and Problem-Solving
When our daughter entered 3rd grade, we were in uncharted territory as we navigated new math concepts. Despite my frustration in relearning skills I once mastered, I was inspired by my husband, who embraced this challenge with boundless patience.
Math has always been his forte. He viewed this new curriculum not as an insurmountable hurdle but an opportunity to learn math from a fresh angle. He encouraged us to see it as a shift in perspective rather than a complete overhaul. His methods illustrated how fathers play a pivotal role in empowering their children, often in ways that may not come as naturally to others, giving them a sense of strength and assurance into their growth.
Children who feel understood, supported, and accepted by their fathers are likelier to cultivate strong, healthy relationships into adulthood. This highlights the profound and lasting impact that fathers can have on their children’s development, emotional well-being, and success.
BEA MOISE is a board-certified cognitive specialist, author, neurodiversity coach, and consultant for both individuals and businesses, a featured expert for NBC News, and the neurodivergent expert for Verizon. Follow her UNIQUE parenting channel on YouTube or on Instagram @beamoiseauthor.
