When Rahul was growing up, his mother did most of the parenting. She would help him get ready, prepare breakfast and pack lunch for school before she to work. In the evenings, she would help him with homework, bathe him and spend time with him. Rahul was closer to his mother, and he approached his father only when he wanted money or permission for something. When Rahul became a father, his wife expected him to do a lot more with his child. This led him to think about what the role of a father is. 

Research on the Importance of the Father’s Role

For a long time, the primary caregiver in the family has been the mother, with fatherhood pushed to the side lines. However, research and a societal shift in attitudes paints a clear picture: a father's active involvement can contribute significantly to a child becoming a healthy, well-rounded adult. Here’s how

• Intelligence : The more time fathers spend in enriching, stimulating play with their child—such as playing pretend or sharing stories—the better the child’s math and reading scores are at 10 and 11 years old.
• Social skills : Fathers often engage in physical play that involves roughhousing, wrestling, or playful rough-and-tumble activities with their children. This type of play helps children learn about physical boundaries, risk-taking, and self-regulation in a safe and controlled environment.  
• Emotional development : When fathers are found to be emotionally and physically remote from their infants at 3 months and again at 12 months of age, by the time they enter preschool the children were found to be more aggressive with their peers. This was particularly true for boys and occurred independently from how the mothers behaved with their infants.
• Discipline and boundaries : Fathers often bring a different style of discipline and authority to parenting compared to mothers. They may enforce rules and boundaries in a more direct and firm manner, which can be beneficial for children's understanding of structure and accountability. 
• Male role models : Children, especially boys, learn a great deal about masculinity through their interactions with fathers. Fathers provide a first-hand example of masculinity, responsibility, and respect which shapes a child's identity and influences their future relationships. 
• Mental health : Research shows that children whose fathers played an active role in the childhood have lowered anxiety and depression in adulthood. 

What Can the Father Do? 

There are several ways by which a father can get more involved

• Dedicated Time : Spent time each day, even if it's short, for focused interaction with your child. This could be playing a game, reading a story, or simply talking about their day. 
• Active Listening : Listen attentively, offer support, and validate their feelings. This fosters trust and creates a safe space for open communication.  
• Be Present : Attend their school events, extracurricular activities, and important milestones to show your support and involvement. 
• Common Ground : Find activities you both enjoy, whether it's playing sports, going for walks, or helping with a hobby. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen your bond.
• Chores : Take an active role with tasks such as feeding, bathing, and bedtime routines, and actively participate in household chores and errands. Sharing responsibilities strengthens your connection with your children and spouse.
• Modelling Behaviour: Demonstrate healthy communication and conflict resolution with your partner and others. Children learn by observing, and your behaviour sets an example. 
• Traditions and Rituals: Establish family rituals and traditions that provide opportunities for connection. Whether it's a weekly movie night, a monthly outdoor adventure, or annual holiday traditions, these shared experiences strengthen family bonds and create a sense of belonging.