It began towards the end of the 1990s in some countries such as those in Africa (much earlier in Western countries). By the year 2000, the parental role change-over was vividly evident in most parts of the world. Dads began to take on a more practical, hands-on approach to childcare and parenting in general. Eventually, it became more deliberate, thereby completing the paradigm shift.
The product of this shift is the present-day father-the modern dad. Richie is one such dad. He is 30; married with one child (son) aged two years. Richie always tries to beat the traffic in order to be home early and be with his son. He plays with his son on the carpet, and wrestles, or dangles him to the boy’s delight. You would meet them often walking hand in hand around the neighborhood, chatting about anything and he reads to him the best children tell tales. He even soothes him with an appropriate lullaby as he watches him fall asleep.
Among Richie’s dedicated duties include cuddling his boy to sleep ever since
the baby came home. Don’t miss this; Phew! It’s so grueling My friend, Richie
confides in me that he has had no better fulfillment in his life. “I simply
enjoy being a dad,” Richie says. Richard is to his son, a complete opposite of
what traditional dads were to parenting. He’s a friend to his son, a playmate,
an approachable child-like guy, and a go-to-dad.
Today’s dad makes parenting look sexy, fun, and trendy. Gone are the days
of arms-length relationships we had with our own fathers. Relationships were so
removed; so frosty that one required the humility of a servant to come close to
their dad as he sat on his favorite (throne) seat in the living room.
Welcome the Amiable
Modern Dad
Edgar, 35 is one other modern dad who cherishes modern parenting. He is a
hotelier with two children (a son and a daughter). He always drops his children to
school every day en route to his place of work; this is a routine he has been
doing for the past three years. Edgar loves to engage his kids in
conversations. He reckons that his chats with his daughter have helped
tremendously in strengthening their relationship further. He notes that his
daughter has become more of a friend to him than her mother.
Whereas the modern dad flourishes, on one hand, things are not so rosy for the
mother who has largely maintained her traditional status. Well, some aspects of
her parenting have certainly changed. For instance, the manner in which she
disciplines and communicates with them. However, for the most part, she remains
traditional in her motherly character. Parade her alongside the modern dad-and
you will be comparing the years 1960 and 2015. She portrays that rudimentary,
hardnosed image that has refused to evolve with time. In other words, today’s
mother stands on the fringes of the parenting revolution.
It can pose some headaches doubling up as a parent as well as a teacher.
The lesson gathered here is that kids are more attached to their modern dads
than to their traditional mum. Why is this? Expert’s Input Experts on
psychology concur with the fact that the modern dad is confident and patient. He
doesn’t succumb to frustrations quickly.
When it comes to being interactive, the modern dad responds physically while
the mother does it emotionally. The relationship between the kids and their
modern dad is largely based on fun and play. He wants to smother and soothe
them. Their interactions are more physical but less intimate with more emphasis
shifted to excitement and humor. This makes a whole world of difference to
children.
When it comes to mum-yes! The Traditional mum; protects her kids from any
irritant stimuli; while today’s dad heaps it. He is always consistent in
producing a wide range of arousals; resulting in ups and downs that force
children to stretch physically as well as emotionally. These arousal stretches
are what constitute all that makes growing up around today’s ‘modern dad’ such
a wonderful delight to his kids.
So, who is This Modern
Dad?
Paternal revolution: Modern dad is not a trend. He is here to stay; create a cultural paradigm shift in parenting.
· New
pedestal: He no longer has a redefined position and he is a compliment to
his wife’s establishment-not a threat! He’s not a substitute either. His wife’s
traditional parenting is as crucial to his kids just as his modern approach is.
· Mutated
character: It’s never too late to become a modern dad. It’s easy for a
once traditional dad to transform his stereotypical ways on his way to adopting
modern parenting.
· Shower
him with compliments: Modern dad expects just a “thanks” from his
wife: Mums should not assume or take it for granted that you can order him to
babysit while you snap a little snooze. It pays to express your gratitude.
· Train
early: Modern dad establishes his connection very early. His bond
starts at the birth of his baby-when he breathes his or her first. Make sure, or
insist on his presence in the delivery room. Yes, he can squat in the corner, a
little bit away from the gory birth stuff.
The moral essence of this article heralds the dawn of new parenthood. For traditional dads; this is a wake-up call to begin exploring beyond the limits of stereotype fatherhood. This, you can do while keeping in touch with your own cultural roots. These modern parents include teachers and other role models in society. The teachers of Miami Primary School are good parents.