June is the month we celebrate dads. No matter who we are, we all have one. Dads take on a very special place in the hearts of their children. Research about male parents (biological or not) shows that men and women bring different strengths and styles to their parenting.
We all know the typical stereotype of the dad tossing the baby into the air while the mother is more likely to hold the baby close. Men also use more advanced language with their babies, using words with more syllables than women do.
A great example of how different men are is when we had our first baby, a boy. My husband would walk him around the house, holding him up high or putting him on his back, flying him through the air all while describing everything he was seeing. “This is what under the counter looks like.” “This is what the ceiling fan looks like.” Etc. etc. This is something I would have never thought to do, yet it came naturally for him and was a classic interpretation of how men relate to their children.
We know from research that fathers spend more time in play with their children and are more boisterous. They help children problem-solve and challenge their children more. Dads provide an important role in a child’s life beyond improved financial stability, they are the person who will love their child like no other. They are a protector.
For these reasons and so many more, we honor dads this month. We know not all dads are involved or “there” for their children, so we doubly honor those that are. One does not have to be the father of a child to make a difference in their lives. If a child does not have a biological father to turn to, they will still thrive. It is important, however, to provide children with the natural strengths that come from a male parenting style through uncles, grandfathers, group leaders or a male partner.
Simply said, dads and men are important in a child’s life. We appreciate all those that make a difference by engaging with, supporting, loving, nurturing and being the most important part of a child’s upbringing through unique and necessary influences. To all of the dads or those acting in that role, we hope your day is filled with all the relaxation and adoration you so deserve.
Happy Father’s Day!
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