Parenting In Focus: It’s dad’s turn

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Parenting takes a huge amount of time. Maybe that is why we need to have two parents. Unfortunately, many times we forget to include Dad as one of the people who has an important role in raising a child.

Let’s just take a look at some of the ways Dad can really help:

Reading, one of the most important tasks parents need to do on a regular basis, is an important task for Dad. He should be reading to his child regularly. That doesn’t mean once a week or once a month; “regularly” means at least once a day.

Dad reads books differently than Mom reads them, and children like to hear both kinds.

Taking kids to school is another task Dad can help with. Driving and talking together is a great combination for Dad and his child. The youth learns from both parents about following laws and driving safely, including buckling safety belts.

Overseeing chores for children to do isn’t just a Mom’s responsibility. The clout of having two parents together on getting kids to do chores is impressive. Don’t let only one parent having to sound like she is bossing kids around by having chores for them to do. When Dad helps it has so much more weight in getting your little one busy picking up his bedroom.

Mom shouldn’t be the only one saying “no.” Dad should also be the one who is enforcing rules.

Kids learn early in life who is going to tell them what to do and what not to do. When Dad cooks an occasional meal or even a regular one, let him be the one who has the children set the table or clear the table.

The one place dad has been slightly more involved with is giving out allowance. This should be a task that deserves even more attention, as talking about money is too frequently neglected. Dad can help on this issue. Saving money for special things or just saving money for the future needs to be part of every child’s education.

Talking with children about money and about saving money is important and needs to begin early. For example, when grandparents send money for your child’s birthday, talk to your child about putting a certain percentage of that money in a savings account. Help them get one started and then help them use it.

Talk about this savings account together regularly so your child can see how his account moves up but make sure it does move up.

Dad, you are an important ingredient in parenting. Step up and assume your many roles which are so meaningful to your children. They need you, and so does your partner.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.