Role Of A Father In Early Childcare

All of us are familiar with the term Motherhood, right! But not so common is the term Fatherhood. Because in many countries and cultures, child rearing is considered a mother’s job. Agree that the mother carries the child within her for nine months and has already formed a bond with a child when the child is born. And also, there is a much more important role of a mother in feeding a child in the first six months. Also, there is an existing analogy which originated from the ancient time where mothers were considered to be caring and loving and fathers as strict and physically strong.

Now with changing societal dynamics, the role of male and female members of the family is changing. Initially male were bread earners and females were homemakers. However, the situation is not the same anymore. Now even females are working, spending time out of the house and are ambitious workwise. With changing societal dynamics fathers need to up their game and take parenting journeys more seriously and embrace fatherhood the way mothers embrace motherhood.

Despite all such factors, the father should involve himself in childcare from an early age. Fathers have a very important role to play in the overall development of their children- be it the cognitive, social, physical and emotional development. An involved father is one who is engaged, available, caring and responsible. He is sensitive and supportive, nurturing and loving, and comforting and compliant. Studies show that children whose fathers are "hands-on" and "entertaining" actually learn faster. I won’t grow that far in scientific explanation; it should come naturally that both parents should be equally involved in the parenting journey.

Fathers need to step up their game in Fatherhood journeys. Certain areas which I think they can contribute more are:

• Educating children – Involve in some learning activities with the child, helping them in their homework, playing some educational games with them, making them learn numbers and the alphabet. There is so much which can be done in this area.
• Feeding and making child-friendly food – It is certainly easy to make children food but it is tough to feed them the right nutrients. Not to mention sometimes feeding them a single meal may take an hour or more. Fathers can feed a child once the child is over the exclusive breastfeeding period of six months, or even in the first six months, fathers can help in feeding with help of stored breast milk and latest innovations such as pumping breast milk.
• Learn Vaccination schedule of the child – Another most important part in child-rearing is learning vaccination schedule, which can be done in a traditional paper method or via modern methods of app etc. The choice is all yours.
• Take the child to park and other fun areas – Arrange dad-child circles and frequent places like fun areas and parks with your child. Why should mom have all the fun?
• Taking work leave for Sick children – It is mostly considered a fact that the mother will be taking leave from the office if the child is sick. C'mon, break it and show the world that you have perfect work-life balance.
• Arranging playdates and birthday parties for the child – Arranging children parties are no fun seriously. It can easily drain the elephant. Organize various fun games for your child and his/her friends. Trust me you will see such a happy face of your kid and all your efforts will pay off. 

Well, balanced parenting is the way to success in the current scenario. If both parents are involved in childcare, the same certainly assures the child's overall wellbeing and you are setting the best parenting example for your child. Welcome to an amazing and fruitful fatherhood Journey.

Divya is Mom to three years old cute little Child Nivaan. She is first time mom raising a happy and compassionate child.