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A dedicated, hard-working father ideally plays a key role in his son’s or daughter’s childhood and adolescence. These resourceful dads often help with their child’s homework and tackle tough questions on a wide range of topics. Sometimes, an energetic dad helps their child practice a favorite outdoor sport.
Canadian Greg Aziz is an experienced father with plenty of parenting under his belt. He details the notable changes in North American families’ makeup and dynamics. He also offers insights on forging strong bonds while maintaining an authoritative presence.
Family Dynamics Have Undergone a Seismic Shift
Fifty years ago, North American nuclear families typically consisted of a mother, a father, and their children. In the case of a divorce, the family underwent a substantial restructuring that required new ground rules for everyone. In other cases, unexpected circumstances could result in relatives raising the children. With these exceptions taken out of the picture, traditional families were the rule and not the exception.
Fast forward to the 21st century’s third decade, and more diverse families are becoming the norm. Single-parent families, blended families, same-sex parents, and multigenerational families are common. Divorces and remarriages often lead to gradual shifts in paternal and maternal roles. In addition, many dads have said that their relationships with their children are vastly different from their own father-child experiences.
3 Ways a Dad’s Roles Have Recently Evolved
Over the past decade or two, dads have become increasingly more involved in their family dynamics. Rather than just mowing the lawn every week, they often handle their share of chores and child responsibilities. Hands-on father Greg Aziz noted three ways a father’s role has changed during the past generation.
Dads’ Adoption of Diverse Tasks
As dads have expanded their family responsibilities, they increasingly divide up the tasks based on skills rather than gender. With this method, dads often handle household chores and chauffeur their kids to sports practices and music lessons.
Dads’ Increased Emotional Attachment
As dads forge stronger emotional bonds with their families, they’re often conflicted over the different roles they must play. Much of the time, they enjoy sharing their children’s interests and being a trusted friend. However, these dads often experience personal conflict when they must switch to a disciplinarian role.
Dads’ Search for External Solutions
When today’s dads encounter an issue that isn’t in the “Parenting Handbook,” they aren’t as likely to draw answers from their own childhood experiences. Because dads’ roles keep changing, and family dynamics are becoming more complex, a strategy that worked well 30 years ago may be unsuitable today.
Instead, many dads now seek answers from other sources. Online videos, conversations with other parents, and even social media threads may yield a workable solution.
Greg Aziz Highlights a Dad’s Five Key Roles
A dad highly engaged in raising his children probably doesn’t think about the multiple roles he plays every week. Greg Aziz describes each role and the impact it can have on his son’s or daughter’s life.
Skills Trainer
Dads want their children to become well-rounded, resourceful adults who can handle any situation. Many dads take time to equip their son or daughter with these valuable life skills. Whether it’s riding a bike, making a science project, or learning to get along with diverse personalities at school, Greg Aziz emphasizes that a dad’s efforts are vitally important…and they’ll pay off.
Motivational Leader
An astute dad can often see his child’s potential in a skill, such as soccer or playing the piano. The dad may also sense that his child can achieve better self-discipline or character growth. However, his son or daughter may not be motivated to do what’s necessary to rise to the next level. That’s where the dad can become a motivational leader, nudging the child to push forward.
Sometimes, a dad can use creative games or incentives to motivate their child. On other occasions, firm guidance and a statement of expectations may elicit the desired response.
Enthusiastic Cheerleader
Each son or daughter innately seeks their dad’s attention and approval. To encourage the child to achieve any type of goal, a dad should morph into their most enthusiastic cheerleader. Positive reinforcement can help a child adopt a more positive demeanor, which increases the chances they’ll realize their objective.
In fact, says Greg Aziz, research shows that encouraging fathers often have children who display heightened self-esteem and better personal coping skills. Dads who deliver firm (but reasonable) guidance help their children to build competent behaviors.
Firm Disciplinarian
Strong fatherly leadership creates an atmosphere of structure in the home. When a son or daughter violates the rules (and they will), the dad steps up to enforce the standards and apply the consequences for ignoring them. Although the child won’t appreciate it at the time, the dad’s discipline helps to build the child’s strong personal character.
Empathetic Counselor
Young children (and often adolescents) don’t naturally understand how to navigate varied types of life challenges. Greg Aziz says that’s where a dad’s empathetic guidance can be invaluable. If the dad doesn’t have all the answers, he will know where to find them. At the same time, his empathy and heartfelt understanding can show the child they’re not alone.
3 High-Value Things Children Want from Their Dads
In today’s culture of immediate gratification, children often demand the latest toys, gadgets, or clothing and gear. However, Greg Aziz says kids really value three things that money can’t buy.
No-Strings-Attached Love
Throughout each child’s life, their dad should demonstrate unconditional love for them. When they disobey rules or make unwise decisions, their dad should continue to show love and support for them. At the same time, says Greg Aziz, the dad can use the occasion as a teaching opportunity.
Guidance on Respecting Others
Dads should teach their children to always respect others ─ with no exceptions. Each dad should take every opportunity to deliver this lesson, starting with respect for the child’s mother.
Dads should be aware that children also learn by observing others’ behavior. If the child sees that their dad treats everyone with respect, the youngster is more likely to carry that behavior into their own interactions.
Uninterrupted Quality Time
Rather than watching television or playing video games together, dads should carve out uninterrupted quality time with each child. Greg Aziz says younger children may enjoy a creative in-home activity. If weather allows, taking a hike or visiting a child-friendly attraction would be ideal. An engaging museum or a local zoo are good starting points.
Greg Aziz Values the “Dad” Experience
With his children grown, and with families of their own, Greg Aziz recalls the many lessons he taught his youngsters. He relishes the opportunity to see them pass on those same pearls of wisdom to their children.
Sources
https://community.thriveglobal.com/5-things-every-child-needs-from-their-father/
https://www.allprodad.com/5-roles-father-must-learn-well/
https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/Article/the-art-of-being-a-father
https://www.paramount.com/news/audience-insights/3-key-insights-role-dads-modern-families
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