Dad
(The beautiful humans I get to call my parents)
Assuming you're between the ages of 12 and 39, and most likely even if you're not, the above phrase should be at least remotely familiar to you; I've heard it countless times over the past few years. I knew it's meant partly to be a feminist statement, and partly as a joke, but it makes reference to a more serious subject I want to address.
I know political correctness is a pretty controversial topic, but I'm becoming more passionate about aspects of it all the time. Something that I've noticed time and time again in the past little while has been the role that men, and especially fathers, are assigned in the media: sometimes they're good role models, responsible, kind, smart men that people should actually want to emulate. More often than not, though, the examples that I've seen strongly push the idea that fathers are pretty optional. In some way, I can see how that idea has become more prevalent: more women and mothers are working now for the sustenance of households than they ever have; because of artificial insemination, a present father isn't absolutely necessary in a home; government assistance can make up for what one income can't cover. This plus the media representation, in which fathers and husbands are often conveyed to be almost inconvenient accessories or buffoons.
In addition to this, according to studies done by the U.S. Census bureau, 19.7 million children in the United States, nearly a quarter, don't have a father in the home. In many lives, this may translate to a kind of cultural expectation that fathers are not necessary, or are optional, because in the experience of so many, even if they were there in the beginning, they just leave anyway.
Contrary to these beliefs of personal culture and social norm, studies have shown that fathers are absolutely vital in the home. My personal experiences align with these studies, so while I may be biased, there is research to back it up. A study done by Harvard showed that teenagers will most often look to their peers as examples of who they should be trying to be at that time, and their parents as examples of who they should become. The examples of both parents teach them different things and as such are absolutely necessary, but it was pointed out that a father's role is key in building their self-confidence and giving them a correct perception of what a marriage or partnership should look like in their own lives in the future. (Harvard Study) Fathers help their children to build confidence, give them a sense of security, respect, power systems, and, in the case of sons, teach them both by correction and example about testosterone control. In a larger sense, as well, when children make a connection with their fathers, that connection often affects their relationship with God, whether that's good or bad. They act as examples and exemplars both.
In addition to this, according to studies done by the U.S. Census bureau, 19.7 million children in the United States, nearly a quarter, don't have a father in the home. In many lives, this may translate to a kind of cultural expectation that fathers are not necessary, or are optional, because in the experience of so many, even if they were there in the beginning, they just leave anyway.
Contrary to these beliefs of personal culture and social norm, studies have shown that fathers are absolutely vital in the home. My personal experiences align with these studies, so while I may be biased, there is research to back it up. A study done by Harvard showed that teenagers will most often look to their peers as examples of who they should be trying to be at that time, and their parents as examples of who they should become. The examples of both parents teach them different things and as such are absolutely necessary, but it was pointed out that a father's role is key in building their self-confidence and giving them a correct perception of what a marriage or partnership should look like in their own lives in the future. (Harvard Study) Fathers help their children to build confidence, give them a sense of security, respect, power systems, and, in the case of sons, teach them both by correction and example about testosterone control. In a larger sense, as well, when children make a connection with their fathers, that connection often affects their relationship with God, whether that's good or bad. They act as examples and exemplars both.
My dad isn't perfect, but he did a lot of things right in raising me and my siblings; he still is. For as long as I can remember, I knew that he loved us: me, my siblings, and especially my mom. There has never, ever been a time that I was afraid he would leave, or skip out on providing for or protecting us. Even beyond providing basic life necessities, he took every opportunity he could to teach us to be good people. So contrary to our society's portrayals, he's one of the smartest people I know. Because of his example, I know what I'm looking for in my own husband, and I view God as kind and loving and I understand more about why He wants to teach me.
I know not everyone has a father like I do, but because mine is this way, I understand what a difference active fathers can make in the home.
I know not everyone has a father like I do, but because mine is this way, I understand what a difference active fathers can make in the home.
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