Mental Wellbeing and Development of a child - The role of a Father
Being a responsible and responsive father entails significant responsibilities. As such, it is crucial to recognize that the role of a father extends beyond being the head of the family. Instead, fathers are expected to act as coaches, mentors, and role models. A father is the male parent of a child. The primary responsibility of a father is to ensure the proper development and upbringing of their child, considering that the family is the immediate environment in which a child grows. Children undergo various developmental processes that may expose them to vulnerabilities. It is the responsibility of the father to strengthen the guidance and exercise effective supervisory roles to ensure that the child overcomes any challenges they may face in life, including stress, worries, anxieties, fears, and other negative emotions.
The Role of the Father in the Home
The father assumes the primary parental, social, and spiritual responsibilities, which are essential for the child’s holistic development. By fostering connections with others, the father ensures the child’s spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and social growth.
Furthermore, the father provides financial and physical support to the family, instilling in children the importance of honesty and integrity. As a role model, coach, and mentor, the father guides children towards positive behavior and teaches them problem-solving skills aligned with biblical principles, such as “Teach children the good way, and when they grow up, they will not depart from it.”
It is pertinent to note that child upbringing and development should not be taken for granted. A father should be intentional in his role as the pillar of strength in the family, providing unwavering support and instilling discipline with an open mind. A father should be humble, supportive, and loyal to his family, ready to protect them with unconditional love for all members.
The role of a father in the upbringing and development of children for a compassionate society cannot be overstated. However, most fathers are not present to fulfill these pivotal roles and responsibilities, leaving them to their spouses due to legal battles or other pressing issues. The ability of a father to recognize these significant responsibilities is crucial for developing measures aimed at stabilizing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities. For instance, through established friendly communication between the father and child, even amidst challenges, the father can identify when the child is struggling with issues and experiencing behavioral changes and mood swings. The father should recognize the immense responsibility they have embraced and that the success of any child and family depends on their ability to coordinate effectively and prioritize the family above all else. The father should not disconnect themselves from their family or abandon their role and responsibilities of proper upbringing of a child, as the future of any society and family is predicated on the well-being of our children.
The writer, Coach Ebere Amaraizu is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Coach. A U.S. IVLP Alumni, Child Care Expert, Developer, and Certified NIS Coach, Olympic Sports Administrator and Manager, Coach Amaraizu is the pioneer chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation and the Lead Consultant at Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation & Coli Mental Health Academy.
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