The fatherly role within the family structure plays a fundamental part in the growth of children. The man as the head of the family is responsible for supporting and complementing the mother in the upbringing of the children. The father has a job as important as that of the mother, contributing experiences, attitude, and beneficial situations for the proper functioning of a family system.
Despite the fact that terms related to the father in the family have been conceived for many years, postmodernity has brought with it a new conception, leaving behind the traditional family, thus redefining the parental role within the family system and placing the father in a new position.
While the father is known to be a kind of intermediary between the home and public life, thus protecting the mother, the children, and being the face of the family; currently, his role has evolved due to the incorporation of women into the public and social sphere, mainly through the workforce.
In this way, the man within his home finds that he no longer has to be solely the economic provider, but must also fulfill a role of emotional support, while helping with household tasks alongside his partner, thus viewing it from a standpoint of equality.
So, while there is talk of a new role within the family circle positioning the woman as a companion partner, what is the importance of the man as a father and how can he influence the same family circle?
Importance of Man as a Family Father
It is worth noting that when talking about the father, it can often happen that it does not only refer to the male parent itself. Fatherhood is a series of functions that are considered very important in the lives of children and can be exercised by a father himself, as well as by a mother or some educational institution.
But, if we encompass the definition towards the male figure, it can be said that the father is the first male role model that children have, and from there, the importance of his presence lies. In addition to that, alongside the mother, they are the first people who will shape the child's identity.
On the other hand, it can also be highlighted that the father is the one who provides a sense of belonging to a family and to society. Although his role has evolved, traditionally he is still the one responsible for maintaining the unity of the family.
Also, the father provides the children firsthand insight into how a relationship works, thus being their main role model for treatment and communication towards women. A model that they will repeat in the future with their partners.
Main Functions of a Father
The father's functions are usually present even before the children are born because the relationship that each father has with his child materializes through the mother, who is naturally connected to the child during the gestation period. From here, the father's main role is to provide support to the mother, who goes through many changes during this stage.
Here, it has also been observed that there is a bond between the father and the baby when the baby is in the mother's womb. Especially if the dad or the child's father figure is consistently involved during this period.
Subsequently, when the baby is born, he or she gradually begins to perform those functions that, from that very moment, start to influence psychological development. In this way, the attachment relationship between the father and the baby is nurtured through small acts that mainly involve the father's participation in simple tasks such as changing the baby, dressing him or her in comfortable cotton pajamas, feeding, and even putting the baby to sleep.
Here, it is extremely important for the father to fulfill his roles since, when he is present, the child will recognize him as a reliable attachment figure capable of loving and caring for him. In this way, the child will have positive development in the psychological realm, building self-esteem on solid foundations, making it easier to develop a healthier life with the creation of good habits.
How Can a Parent Induce Better Habits?
It is necessary to emphasize that, when it comes to transmitting values, the example and support of the father is very important. Thanks to this and to comprehensive education, they will have the best foundation for their children to internalize good habits and routines related to personal care that they will easily be able to apply in their adult stage.
Of course, it is not entirely effective when the father figure only teaches by telling the children what to do. Here, the family environment is the key to teaching new habits and it has been proven that, the more the father engages in activities with the children, the more effective the development of new habits is.
And it is that, normally, when children see that their protective figures act in a certain way, they seek to copy this way of proceeding since it is a fact that adults are a reference, especially when it comes to a family figure.
It is important to highlight that every parent must be aware of the significance they have, especially when it comes to transmitting values such as strength, prudence, justice, temperance, and even the ability to make an effort. For this reason, they must be present in every daily activity that their children engage in, in order to define what is necessary for them and what is not.
Quality Time With Family
It is worth mentioning that spending quality time with family is of utmost importance for children, as this bond strengthens healthy emotional development, thus providing greater stability and security for them to build relationships with others.
Therefore, the intimate activities that take place within the home, involving both the paternal and maternal figures, are important. Activities that involve play and even personal care are, as mentioned earlier, influential on the children.
Activities such as constantly bathing, respecting rest schedules and sleep hours, even complying with the use of comfortable pajamas, can significantly impact the discipline and consistency of children. On the other hand, the parent can also set an example by acting in the same way, opting for a men's pajama that best characterizes them. Therefore, a good image not only externally but also inside the home will be one of the best examples that a parent can give to their children. If the pajamas they will wear at home and for sleeping project an elegant, clean, and healthy image, children will learn that this is important too. And although the tastes or preferences of each parent may be different, El Búho Nocturno can offer those parents all kinds of pajamas that they feel most comfortable with without losing that good image they project in front of their children.
At the moment of sharing with family, an activity will always be sought that satisfies everyone and nurtures both parents and children in different areas. Therefore, it is recommended that even in leisure moments, a way is found to reinforce both the values and the character of the children, thus also creating healthy, strong, loving bonds and good connections with all members of the family circle.
Although the role of the father within this environment has evolved, he is still perceived as the main member who unifies coexistence in the family nucleus.