A Dad's Impact on Their Child: Why Dad's Wellness Matters

It hasn't been since the 1970s that fathers have really been studied in research and literature. It's unfortunate that prior to this, it was perceived that father's contribution to families and their children's was related to how they could financially provide for their family. Many research studies prior to the 1970s identify the "parent" as mostly the mother figure while fathers fall under "other influences" - but this is FAR from the case.

According to a report in "Fathers and Their Impact on Children's Well-Being": Even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and as they grow older, have better connections. One of the vital aspects of a dad's contributions to his kids is the different parenting style compared to mothers. Men and women are different and therefore as a result parent differently as a mother and father.

For example, dad's play with their children a bit rougher and are more likely to encourage risk-taking. This provides kids with a broader diversity of social connections and introduces kids to a variety of methods of dealing with life. Dad's also tend to be the rule-maker, justice-giver and duty in discipline.  Fathers give their children the insight into the world of men and insight to respect towards both men and women. Dad's tend to encourage competition and independence where as mothers tend to promote equality and a sense of security. Neither style of parenting is adequate by itself, together they balance each other out and give their children a healthy, well-rounded approach to life.

But if dad's are such a crucial role of the family and have such an impact on their children, why is father self-care rarely spoken about? Fathers tend to work year round to provide financially for their family and children. It's rarely acknowledged that fathers are now also increasingly engaged in childcare snd household responsibilities - in addition to demanding jobs. This sort of lifestyle doesn't usually leave much time for dad's to take care of themselves and participate in self-care, and it's known that individuals who neglect to prioritize some time for themselves and their needs threaten experiencing higher levels of stress, low self esteem and feelings of sadness. More and more dads are learning that providing self-care to themselves also shows their children the importance of taking care of themselves and that self-care is not at all selfish.

Some easy self-care tips for dads are:

1. Exercise - this can not only help on a level of self-care but it helps with physical health, mental health, sleep, weight, stress release and much more.
2. Talking it Out - discussing your feelings can help ease a burden and be crucial for mental health which is a large part of overall happiness and self-care
3. Hobbies - sometimes when you become a parent it's easy to give up parts of yourself from before being a parent. Sometimes one of the first things to go are your hobbies - but there is nothing wrong with keeping up with some of your previous hobbies to maintain a piece of your identity and self-care
4. Make an effort to eat better and less alcohol - it's not new science that if you are eating better your end to feel better! Feeling your body with proper nutrition ensures you feel in tip top shape for yourself and family. You don't have to go full diet mode but maybe toss some carrots into your lunch! As for alcohol, it disrupts sleep which is how the body repairs itself. If you are not having a restful sleep, how will you have the energy for yourself and your kiddos?!

Self-care doesn't need to be a drastic life change but small healthy habits you implement to ensure you are feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and able to be the best person and parent you can be! Your kids will thank you for it!

Resources:
Psychology Today
www.dadsonline.com.au
Harvard Business Review
Focus On The Family
www.daddypoppins.com
www.mylifeanddads.com