.21st-Century Dad!
Every third Sunday of June we celebrate Father’s Day with the aim being to acknowledge the contribution that fathers - and father figures - make in the lives of children. To most folk, a father represents a mentor, a friend, a role model, and a protector on hand to provide love and guidance through the walk, and sometimes the run, of life.
Fathers are often responsible for teaching children appropriate values and principles that will help them throughout life and assist them to get back on their feet again when tribulations knock them down.
Without a doubt, a strong bond between a father and a child is something to be celebrated and appreciated.
Committed fathers play a vital role in their children’s future with the input often continuing well into adulthood producing better outcomes in so many areas including general wellbeing, cognitive development, educational achievement, and healthy self-esteem and social behaviour. According to Rohner & Veneziano (2001), a study conducted among 100 parents and their children revealed that having a loving and nurturing father is as crucial for a child’s happiness as similar input from a mother. Some studies even indicate that father-love is a more substantial contributor to various child well-being outcomes, while the presence of a father figure is important for the good mental and physical health of children.
Probably, the most important aspect of a parent-child relationship is the quality of the relationship, regardless of whether the connection is biological or not.
How you could have celebrated this year’s Father’s Day (June 20) in Lockdown!
• Ordered a cake for him or even baked one
• Made his favourite meals
• Made him breakfast in bed
• Decorated his room
• Made him feel special
• Expressed your love and affection for him
Remember to love your Dad every day! Fathers form an integral part of the family, and it is important to pay tribute to all the fathers who work consistently and diligently to support and provide the best for their families.
Ms Nkosingiphile Ntshangase is the Marketing Assistant at UKZN Extended Learning, focusing on social media management, marketing, communications and blogging.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.