Why Dads Are So Important

A good dad is just as important as a good mom. Ideally, the mother is soft and nurturing, the father is the tougher disciplinarian. This provides a balance of tenderness and strength. The nurturer represents the loving side of life, the enforcer represents the rule of law. Both aspects teach children to form loving bonds while also accepting limits and boundaries. The ability to love others while respecting their rights is key to successful relationships.

Traditionally men were the providers, and women took care of the home and kids. But things have changed. A tougher economy combined with more women in the workforce can put a deeper strain on the family.

With all the conversations about equality and shared responsibilities, men often get a bad rap. Sometimes they get the blame for more than they should. For example, unplanned pregnancy. It’s clear when they’re using birth control, not so with women. They have no say over abortion even if they want to assume sole responsibility for their child.

Men are now expected to be strong and yet vulnerable; these dual states aren’t ingrained into women. There’s a demand for men to be less “toxic” and more respectful of women, not so much the other way around. Every mother knows of her child, but some men never know they had a child.

It takes two to bring a child into the world. Even though women carry the pregnancy, that baby could not be born without both participants.

Not every man participates in his child’s life. Some fathers are absent by choice and are referred to as deadbeat dads. Sometimes access to his child is made so difficult, he gives up. Sometimes kids are turned against their fathers. This has the consequence of the child disliking part of themself since every person has been made from both parents.

Healthy masculine and feminine energy from two parents is always better than one. Kids long for both. Sometimes, stepfathers, uncles, or grandfathers accept the responsibility of providing for and caring for other people’s children. Many of these surrogates are never acknowledged for all that they provide, and it’s often taken for granted. The same is true for adoptive dads. Voluntary parenting is a true treasure and gift.

Some dads haven’t been able to be the kind of parents that kids deserve. Some of them might improve with maturity and a willingness to learn how to be a better parent. Children’s first experiences with forgiveness arise out of parental errors. Unless there’s abuse, families should always create the opening for healthy involvement regardless of a parent’s mistakes. When children are told their parent’s mistakes have nothing to do with their love for them, they can readily forgive those errors.

Dads are an important part of any child’s life. Their participation and character help to mold the self-esteem of their children. It’s difficult for a mother to play the role of both parents – the nurturer and the enforcer. Children feel more secure having two parents actively involved in their lives. Even a part-time, not-so-great dad keeps a child from feeling abandoned and a lowered self-esteem from feeling unworthy of a father’s love.

A dad is someone who can counteract the uncertainties and angst of an ever-changing world. While it “Takes a community,” to raise a child, the best community is a loving mother and father.

Not everyone can celebrate Father’s Day. Some kids don’t know their fathers, or their dads were absent, or emotionally unavailable. Some had great fathers, others, not so great, or something in between. None of us would be alive without a biological father.

If you do have a dad, and he is in your life, don’t forget to acknowledge what he’s done for you. It’s easy to take a parent’s effort for granted. Most men who are good parents, don’t expect a pat on the back. But appreciation for a good dad is even more reason to give them one.

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT TO SAVE MILLIONS OF LIVES FROM ADDICTION.