Bringing on the ‘Daddygiri’!!!

Receiving gifts on Father’s Day is a token of love that kids feel and if the gesture is reciprocated back, the father–child bond shall never cease!

To reciprocate, there are a million ways yet the father–child bond may very well begin right since conception. Being involved is what matters here. Helping and caring for the mother-to-be throughout, accompanying her to the Doctor for tests and sonographies and being with her through pregnancy and labor is sure to generate deep prenatal bonds. While in the womb, babies are known to differentiate voices and do recognize their father’s voice after birth.

Studies also suggest that men too experience hormonal changes at the birth of their child. While the levels of cortisol and prolactin lead them into a parenting mode, a rise in oxytocin dilutes the alpha-male attitude making the man experience softer emotions responsible for loving and caring.

However, once the initial elation of being a father is over, these hormonal levels are known to return back to normal making most men to take a back seat in parenting. There are a few who maintain their involvement through their pre-school days and build a strong relationship over the years.

Earlier, fathers were the sole bread winners and portrayed an image of a strong disciplinarian who would take the kids out once in a blue moon. Things have changed a lot since then with modern fathers taking kids to movies, parks etc. and spending quality time with their children. Many of them are inspired by celebrities such as David Beckham, Johnny Depp and Will Smith who are seen taking time out with their kids, carrying them or playing with them.

Most women are working mothers who have been taking care of the household as well and really appreciate the support of a husband who cares for their children. The father’s involvement is crucial to the child’s healthy development in terms of mental as well as physical. Their style of interacting differs from the mother’s and helps them with good judgement, vocabulary and skills to handle stressful situations. It is found that a father’s active involvement makes his children to be emotionally secure, have better social network and are less likely to get into trouble or drug/ alcohol abuse. It is also observed that children of fathers who play with them and nurture them have better IQs.

Men tend to be tougher and play rougher games that boost the child’s physical and mental power while helping lower the father’s stress as well. Attuning with their kids helps the father know their likes and dislikes while the kids begin gaining confidence in their fathers.

Fathers have a very strong impact on their daughters thus girls having regular interactions with their fathers have higher self-esteem and tend to succeed in life. Moreover, they look up to their fathers as a sign of strength and support. Due to healthy father-daughter interactions, girls also learn how they should expect to be treated by men.

Being a father, one may or may not have been as involved in their roles until now but it’s never too late! By putting in efforts now you will make the next Father’s Day special by honoring the role you play in your child’s life. Experience the ‘real’ Happy Father’s Day!