Are Fathers good Caregivers?
Happy Fathers Day | My Dad My Hero
When it comes to parenting, I’ve noticed that the journey differs for mothers and fathers. A Woman becomes a mother the moment she gets to know about her pregnancy. You suddenly not only become aware of the tiny little one growing inside you, but also develop a sense of attachment with the baby early on.
Whereas Men gets this feeling later on, when the baby is outside and starts responding to you. It is then that the affectionate fatherly love develops. In our case, My Husband was the first person to hold little A in her first moment in the outside world, and ever since he has been a doting father. Right from changing soiled diapers to changing clothes, the customary post feed baby burping to the rocking and singing lullaby (he has never done this before!)
He’s always been a hands-on dad, and as our daughter has grown, his duties have evolved. He now reads to her, plays, helps with changing, mealtime, and bedtime. Yes, he even helps her eat (toddlers need assistance)! He’s the one who tucks her in every night, breaking the norm, and we love it. It’s not that I’m unavailable, but our little one cherishes their time together. Moreover, he ensures I get a proper night’s rest so I can handle morning kitchen duties. While I prepare our daughter’s breakfast, he’s ironing her uniform, waking her up, and guiding her through her morning routine. We both share the parenting responsibilities equally, and it’s how partners should be. I believe that men are not only great caregivers but also exceptional nurturers.
The prevailing stereotype that dads don’t understand parenting exists because men are often conditioned to conform to traditional roles, discouraging them from nurturing. Society does not mirror its emphasis on protecting women in sharing parental duties. I’ve encountered puzzled reactions when revealing my child is with her dad, as if it’s a crime. There’s an unfounded belief that only mothers are capable of caring for babies, and even distant relatives or neighbours are preferred over fathers. It’s perplexing that fathers, who are essential in bringing children into this world, are deemed incapable. Thankfully, attitudes are slowly evolving as more men embrace equal parenting, not just limited to glamorous tasks but also the mundane ones without any rewards. The shift is essential in challenging these outdated notions about dads, and I’m glad to see men stepping up to be equal parents, reshaping society’s perception.
Nevertheless, there are many who are changing the norms. Many who are learning to be an equal partner. Society no longer disapproves of men engaging in domestic chores or assisting at home. This shift has removed a significant deterrent for men. Not disregarding their tight schedules and financial priorities, it’s a huge change for the Men of today! More and more men, with changing times, actively participate in parenting – not limiting themselves to taking the kids out to the park or dropping them off at school. Kudos to all those Father’s out there who are equally responsible for creating beautiful childhood memories for their kids. Always remember Fathers are really special, because “My Dad, My Hero”!
Happy Belated Father’s Day to the Best Dad in the World – From Little A
