The Ask Sharon column as it appeared in The Area News on Friday 11 September, 2015.
Following is part two from last week’s Special Father’s Day Edition of the The Area News‘ Ask Sharon column.
LAST week I considered the origins of Father’s Day and how we can consistently show dads that we really care. Just like the issues that emerged while I prepared the Mother’s Day column, it became clearer that how we treat our parents, and in this case our dads, is a big deal.
This week it’s about looking at how the role of fatherhood has changed. While contemplating the issues of fatherhood, and reflecting on my own experiences, I found myself asking the question: “Is it just that, over time, we have come to expect more of dads or is it because everybody – men, women and even some children – are so busy that we have become more demanding of ourselves, and others?
I immediately recalled a moment from when I used to watch Dr. Phil religiously (pre-family). He was covering a show on the role of the man in the family and said it best:
“If men want to be successful in their marriage and family life, they have to change and broaden their definition of what it means to be successful as a man. Being a good provider, protector, leader and teacher is a privilege that comes with responsibilities that many men aren’t aware of.”
For some time we have been looking to dads as more than the traditional financial providers, but has anyone actually bothered to discuss these extra demands with them? It seems that we, as a society, expect dads to just step up and own this new role. Somewhere along the way, have we expected ‘him’ to know and embrace these added responsibilities – this new way of being ‘the rock’ of the family unit?
Tips on how to be the rock of the family and not let it weigh you down:
- If your childhood was difficult, don’t use it as a filter. You are your own person with your own style of parenting.
- Never underestimate the value of quality time with your kids (or grandkids) and let it bring out the kid at heart.
- Post Father’s Day, whenever you can, loosen the reins on responsibilities and rules and have some fun!
This week raised more questions than answers around the subject of fatherhood. To seek extra clarity, I thought why not look to “The Rock” himself and get his take on it. Despite a busy “Hollywood” schedule, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson claimed that even on the road, he finds the time to call his wife and daughter every day. While it’s not the usual parenting situation (and really, what is?), this demonstrates that connecting with our family and showing our love is still, and will always be, most important.
Send your questions for Sharon to editor@areanews.com.au
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