Fathers Have a Sensitive Side Too

There was a time when it was considered the mother's role to look after and care for children while the father earned money to support the family. How far we have come from those days! Now you find that the roles have even reversed in some homes. Generally, fathers tend to play more of a nurturing role now than before. It may be because mothers have gone out of home in search of work and her career demands have grown. Whatever the reason, fathers who spend more time with kids should be applauded for their efforts. Children need both parents around to develop into well-rounded adults.

On that note, let's see how fathers can really show their daddy spirit and contribute to the family's well-being:

1) Respect for Mommy- To be a sensitive dad, he must first be sensitive to his partner. Children pick up on their parents' mood more than we realize. The moment they feel that mom and dad don't agree, they see an occasion to be stubborn and seize the opportunity. Dad should not try to boss mom or encourage kids to break mom's rules. Kids may follow this behavior later on.

2) Discipline with a soft touch- Kids need to know the rules and follow them without impertinent questions. But breaking rules does not mean the child is a failure or past help. Fathers think they should be tough but most times a gentle admonishing works wonders over punishment.

3) Time for family- Most dads work till late night and only get one day in a week to relax with kids. But they should realize that a phone call from work is important for a child too. Little gestures can mean so much. You don't have to spend countless hours with your kid. The quality of the time spent together makes a big difference to the father-child relationship.

4) My father, my role model- Young kids, especially boys, look up to their fathers as strong characters. A father is a symbol of strength and courage. Girls too learn many things from fathers, like respect for others, tolerance and playing fair. These are lifelong lessons. Fathers nurture their kids as much as their mothers, sometimes without realizing it.

5) Teach and learn - Parents do their best but they are not perfect. So being a sensitive dad does not always have its advantages. You can easily be let down by any rebellious displays and wonder whether you are doing the right thing by your charges. A father needs to realize that although he is mature and has more life experience, there are few times when he can actually learn from his children. So you are the teacher but it doesn't mean you can't learn from your students.

6) Be a good listener- Who says only mothers need to lend a sympathetic ear? Father can fill in too. In fact, fathers become better listeners sometimes because they are not always confident communicators like moms. Less talking means more listening. Don't worry if you can't give immediate solution to what's bothering your child. Maybe all he or she wants is to share.

7) Showing affection is never corny - Male reticence might be attractive when it comes to women but it doesn't really earn points with kids. Fathers should show that they care. Some dads toil day and night to put food on the table and think that should do it. But kids need attention; they need to be told constantly that they are loved.


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