On Father's Day, we celebrate the guys in our lives. Not just our dads and the fathers to our children, but all the men who have made a positive impact on a child's life.
A number of recently published studies call attention to the effects of good fathering. Men who play an active role in their children's lives stimulate all aspects of development: emotional, academic, behavioral, and social, even when those men don't live in the same home as their children.
But we don't need a study to understand that the men in our lives matter, whether he's a husband who lives at home, an ex-husband who lives across town, a stepfather, a grandfather, an uncle, or a mentor in the community.
Even from a child's conception, a supportive father makes a difference in the lives of mothers, their children, and the world-at-large. In fact, research shows that women with supportive partners experience fewer health complications in pregnancy and have better attitudes about the inevitable physical changes to their own bodies. Studies indicate that even labor and delivery may be shorter and easier when your partner is by your side.
Men lend a sense of self-control. They model their work ethic. They make us laugh and help us develop a sense of humor. Men teach self-reliance, self-confidence, discipline, independence, and the ability to deal with frustrations, large and small. They help their daughters understand how to relate to men and the meaning of trust and intimacy in all relationships. They help their sons understand what it means to be a husband and a father and a man.
This Father's Day, let us remember the father's role. Let us actively engage him in this day-to-day process of parenting. Let us stand back so he can take charge and do things his way once in a while. Let us see his parenting style as a complement - and not an opposition - to our own.
Let us celebrate our fathers and honor them for making a difference in our world.
Copyright, Susie Michelle Cortright
About The Author
Susie Michelle Cortright is the founder and publisher of Momscape, a website devoted to nurturing the nurturers through empowering articles, inspiring essays, and daily pampering tips, as well as freebies, contests, and giveaways just for moms. Visit her at http://www.momscape.com and get inspired to be the best mom you can be.
momscape-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of... Read More
With Mother's Day approaching fast, it's time to begin thinking... Read More
What does your holiday season usually look like -- a... Read More
No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered... Read More
Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More
Choosing a dolphin lover gift may not be as easy... Read More
Some time ago I received a gift from both of... Read More
Every year I vow to make Christmas easier, simpler -... Read More
Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More
This is my daughter's first Christmas. Naomi will be nearly... Read More
Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year... Read More
Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother's... Read More
One of the tools I use as a professional organizer... Read More
Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which... Read More
Abraham Lincoln said ? "All that I am, or hope... Read More
Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed... Read More
No matter what celebration you and your family will rejoice... Read More
Most people mistakenly believe that Mother's Day is an invention... Read More
So, let's review a little what we said in the... Read More
When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More
So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More
Of all the holidays throughout the year, the Fourth of... Read More
Like many people, I love the idea of making a... Read More
The holidays are upon us and for many people this... Read More
Many of us are probably squeezing out our brains to... Read More
Holidays are here and so is the spirit of partying.... Read More
Have you ever said "I wish we didn't have to... Read More
Plan ahead this year for your corporate clients and associates... Read More
Gift giving is at its absolute finest during the Christmas... Read More
Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that... Read More
Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American... Read More
It's CHRISTmas!Where are the wise men?WOW - The wise men... Read More
The oldest Valentine card still in existence was sent in... Read More
The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration... Read More
On Father's Day, we celebrate the guys in our lives.... Read More
This is my daughter's first Christmas. Naomi will be nearly... Read More
Trying to fit all the planning and preparing and celebrating... Read More
While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you... Read More
Do you ever see those beautiful gingerbread houses during the... Read More
Patty Lovelace Country MusicVerse #1 Through the back window of... Read More
Holiday Stress? Some Tips For Having LessWe all dream of... Read More
Need help with gifts? Not everyone is good at choosing... Read More
Make these quick and easy crafts with your children for... Read More
How to develop and heighten rapport on Valentines Day beyond... Read More
The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love... Read More
History of OrnamentsIn A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first... Read More
So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More
Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's... Read More
When I think of Valentines Day I think of Chocolates... Read More
John Grisham wrote a book called SKIPPING CHRISTMAS. Amazon.com reports:... Read More
No matter how many lists you make, cards you send,... Read More
Canada's Parks Day falls on July 16'th this year. First... Read More
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More
To a large extent the holidays have come to be... Read More
One of my fondest childhood memories is of my mother... Read More
Ever wonder why there's an "Easter Bunny"? Ever wonder why... Read More
The holiday season is typically filled with large fancy parties,... Read More
March 17th is St. Patrick's Day and according to tradition... Read More
Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over... Read More
Why should February 14th get all of the attention?1. Water... Read More
Getting the right hotel to spend one~s vacation at is... Read More
Valentine's Day can be a depressing day when you're in... Read More
Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids... Read More
It is 7:45 a.m. in Port Moody, British Columbia Canada,... Read More
Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays,... Read More
How many times have you heard a friend say about... Read More
Holiday |