It has been said that it is the man’s responsibility to provide, go to work, and take care of his family. It’s also the father’s responsibility to look after his kids’ primary needs, be there for them, and raise them.
Society has taught us that the father is the one who provides for your essential needs: food, shelter, clothing. However, the need for a father figure goes beyond these responsibilities. There is research that shows that missing a father figure can cause childhood behavioral problems, difficulty adjusting to social life, feelings of abandonment, low self-worth, anxiety, depression, identity issues, trust issues, academic problems and more.
A father figure in the home is not just a huge and important part of every child’s life, but also the Mother’s life as well. Beyond money and support, both the mother and the child can find comfort and peace in the father to feel safe and protected. Fathers are especially important. They have a heavy responsibility, and they need to be celebrated!
Let me be clear: a biological father is a man who contributes half of a child’s genetic makeup through natural conception or sperm donation; however, did you know that alone does not automatically make a man a legal father or a father figure? A legal father is the man that the law recognizes as the child’s father who has legal rights and responsibilities for the child, and a father figure is a man that can be called upon for continued advice, support, guidance and help.
“A Father is not only the one who made you but the one who raised you.”
With that said, in June we celebrate all fathers, biological or not, because the men who give their lives to be there for another human being, whether it is their child or not, deserve to be celebrated and admired. It takes courage and strength to be there when you are tired; when they are not the father’s biological kids, or when faced with adversity. It takes courage to accept being a father, so we honor you for your strength and respect your position as a father and father figure.
Thank you Dads!
