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Fatherhood in the XXI century is something that no one could imagine a century ago. Mythbusters have to ruin most stereotypes as man’s role in a family has changed a lot. Let’s have a closer look at how modern dads view their responsibilities and set priorities.
The Emergence of Fatherhood
The primary trend that would catch anyone’s eye is that fathers are getting more involved in their kids’ lives. More than 50 percent of future dads visit doctor offices along with their spouses to support them. More than 90 percent of men attend ante-natal classes and special yoga for pairs. Almost all fathers take time off around the birth of their baby.
More Attention to the Learning Process
Many say that parents are the best teachers. They are actually the first teachers. If modern dads have time, they are willing to help their kids with homework assignments. It does not mean doing tasks instead of them, but rather explaining the topic and making prompts clear. The majority of dads help their kids with precise sciences and math. They can also assist with technical classes.
When the dads are involved in the educational process, teens are less likely to become young parents or run afoul of the law. Sure, parents do not always have time to assist the child with their homework. What if the dad’s in a rush? He may either pay for a tutor or buy Powerpoint Presentation or another type of paper online.
There is another reason why fathers are dedicating more time to the learning process. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are forced to become educators for their children. Prodigy has to stay and study at home to avoid the nasty virus. This period is a great opportunity for families to become closer to each other. It’s curious that kids whose dads actively participate in their learning processes and help with homework:
- Perform better in educational institutions
- Have better mental and physical health
- Possess higher grad rates than others
In any case, such types of involvement as teaching after-class, doing homework together, getting ready for the tests, and rewarding a child for every new academic achievement have only positive effects. However, while men comprise more than 85% of sole/main financial provision in dual-parent homes, it makes many wonder if there is a smart way to balance. You can find the answer along with some hints below.
Disciplinary Measures
Sure, both moms and dads can be disciplinarians. However, as studies show, kids behave way better when raised by their fathers. It’s not about setting up severe punishments. Modern dads have a different vision. They realize that violence can only make the situation worse. That is why they turn to other methods. Setting the stakes might be way more effective.
What does discipline stand for? It means learning how to act around others. Modern fathers are more concerned about explaining a woman’s role to their kids and teaching them to respect others. On the example of their own gentle treatment of their wives, they teach their sons to respect and defend their moms, sisters, and other girls.
A modern dad must realize that kids mimic their parents. Thus, when students get detention for breaking school laws or social norms, it is partially their parents’ fault. More and more dads nowadays realize that and try to talk with their children and understand their position instead of getting at them and punishing them. A conversation solves disciplinary problems way better than violence.
Also, fathers should explain the reasons for divorcement instead of hiding them. As soon as the kids find out why their parents separate, the easier they will accept that fact. No lies are acceptable when raising a child, and that is what every good dad should keep in mind. If fathers treat their children with care and tenderness, they get back the same treatment. Besides, such a model will help kids grow healthy and wealthy.
Less Job Involvement
It is true that some dads today are ready to sacrifice their work and career for the sake of a child. Men today make the same compromises as women. Very few dads fetishize career over family. Most of the modern fathers realize that they can make money staying at home. They lose nothing as most corporations are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global lockdown is the perfect time for the men to re-think their priorities and set them up in a new manner. It is a chance to find other sources of income that are more stable than office jobs. They include:
- Home craft
- Design and interior
- e-Commerce
- Trading
- Investment
- Data entry
- IT development
- Content writing
- Online tutoring, etc.
Many men found a solution in the newborn digital currencies known as crypto. Mining is a popular way to make money today, and the expenses are covered within six months in most cases. Men without families are more likely to take risks and trade on Forex or other brokerages. Many dads buy cryptocurrencies and keep them in their e-wallets to avoid risks associated with real-time trading. This way, they can stay at home with their families most of the time. Electronic payment systems do not even require people to leave their homes as all transactions are processed online.
Another example is when a husband follows his spouse to a suburb or province where he works intermittently. Single fathers have to give up their jobs fully, so their savings and investment platforms are their only options. They benefit from tech progress, using various apps and gadgets that help managing time and balancing between job and home duties.
Those who divorce still insist on spending more time with their kids, so they take extra days off. Some even turn down plum positions in Silicon Valley because of the powerful desire to see their kids. They admit that being unable to see how their children grow up is the worst thing ever.
Verdict
Some may say, “Okay, that’s great, but how about the stereotype that men should feed the family and put work in the first place?” The thing is that men have expanded their roles. They keep developing, launching businesses, taking part in various projects, and still can find a place in their schedules to spend with families. Tech progress and innovations play a great role in achieving the balance. All of these points help many men to become both good financial providers and caring dads.
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This content is brought to you by Jane Travis.
Photo: Shutterstock