The role of fathers in parenting has indeed undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from traditional breadwinners and disciplinarians to more involved, nurturing, and emotionally-supportive parents.
On this episode of Moppet Dadsperience, we had a chat with a father and Structural Engineer, Mr Ferdinand Okwuchukwu Eriobu, to see this development through his eyes while also talking about his fatherly roles.
Do you think the roles of fathers have changed over time, if yes how?
Yes, it has. I like to think the introduction of social media has greatly influenced the roles of fathers in the society.
What stereotypes about fathers in parenting do you think need to be challenged?
Fathers believe they should be mean and rigid to prove their masculinity, but I believe it is a wrong orientation that needs to change. I believe fathers should be just as accessible as mothers emotionally and otherwise.
Are you actively involved in raising your kid with your wife? If yes, how?
Yes, when my daughter was younger, I’d often take her to school, take her to buy shoes, take her to have fun and just generally spend quality time with her.
Do you think a good number of fathers are actively involved in raising their children?
I think it’s 50/50. Some are, some are not.
In what ways can a father be actively involved in parenting aside from finance?
By supporting their wives in cooking when they can, bathing the children when the wife is quite busy, taking the kids to school on certain days, helping them with homework, and so on.
How would you say fathers’ involvement in parenting and child care benefits the family?
A father is the rock of the family, so, when a father is involved in raising a child, he is able to instill values like discipline and self confidence in the child and this will help the child grow into a responsible adult that will give back to the family and society.
What do you think can be done to encourage more fathers to participate in childcare and household responsibilities?
I think this can only be done from the grassroots. If you raise responsible sons and set good examples for them, they’ll grow to be responsible fathers who know how to be involved in their children’s lives.
What positive changes have you noticed regarding the perception of fathers in parenting?
Compared to our time, a lot has changed now. People can see that younger fathers are more involved. I see most of them take their children to school and even go as far as styling the hair of their daughters, and people are noticing. It’s a good one I must say.
How can wives support and encourage their husbands in being actively involved in parenting?
Well, from personal experience, I’ll say, make sure you lovingly ask your husband for help when you feel overwhelmed; Don’t hold back. Parenting shouldn’t be done alone. It’s a lot of work.
Also, try to praise your husband when you see he’s doing his best to help. It will encourage him to do more.
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Aside finance, how do you as a father help out at home? Let us know your experience in the comments.