Be Glad to be a Dad

I am the dad and breadwinner and work long hours out of the house – who then should make the child-rearing decisions in our family?

A: Parenting is a package deal and should be an equal partnership. Open communication about each parent’s decisions, viewpoints, and actions regarding all aspects to do with the child should always occur regardless of who is doing the primary hands-on parenting.

How do I as a dad prevent family members from using me as the bogeyman threat for my child’s non-compliance?

A: Have an open and frank discussion with everyone concerned, outlining what you perceive your role in your child’s life to be. Address your concerns head on – communication is key.

What are some advantages of being an involved, hands-on dad in my child’s life?

A: The chances of your child having better language and social skills, as well as feeling more secure to explore the world as a result of having an involved father, are well-documented in many research studies.

Both my wife and my parents are very involved in helping us with our toddler and they do not agree with our parenting methods – do we change things just to keep the peace?

A: Absolutely not – they had their turn as parents. Communicate with all the relevant role-players and set out your parental expectations, reminding them that they are wonderfully involved GRANDparents – thank them for fulfilling that role in your child’s life.

Is it necessary for a dad to attend a parenting program?

A: This is a personal choice but well-presented and informative parenting programs that provide information and a means of connecting with other parents are so valuable. If one parent decides on attending, I would urge the other to also take up the opportunity. Research has proven that guidelines and programs given to both parents are more successful than those delivered to just one parent.

I sometimes arrive home too late to be able to engage in active play with my toddler as it is often bedtime – do you have suggestions for ways in which I can still share some father-child bonding moments?

A: Reading from storybooks every single night could be a valuable and highly anticipated shared activity for both dad and child. The far-reaching and positive effects on the child’s development because of being read to (from carefully and mindfully selected books) are well-documented.

I am a dad who works away a lot – what storybook do you recommend I read to my child?

A: A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong is a beautifully poignant story: dad works away from home and his coming home for New Year is a cause for celebrating. This story can help a child who misses their father.

Is there a story about dads and children doing something fun together?

A: A delightful book for bedtime reading together is Mercer Mayer’s Just Me and My Dad.

What is a simple storybook about dads that I can share with my very young child?

A: I love dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a lovely choice and this sweet book is written from the child’s perspective.

1,000 FAQ

Be Glad to be a Dad