Father Bonding
Renowned comedian and actor Bill Cosby, who has achieved great success and earned prestigious awards and honors in his career, was once quoted as saying, “Nothing I’ve ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children”.
Being a dad requires great dedication and sacrifice, but the rewards are immense. Fathers are role models in the family and provide for the family’s daily needs. In addition to this responsibility, fathers are also entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and caring for their children as much as mothers. Studies have shown that an astounding 63 per cent of youth suicides, 85 per cent of children with behavior disorders and 71 per cent of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes.
Spending time with one’s children is one of the true joys in life. The father-child bonding moments enable the establishment of mutual understanding, friendship and ease of communication. There are so many ways fathers can spend time with their kids, and below are a few suggestions to provide a wholesome range of activities that can help shape a child’s mental, physical, emotional and social growth.
Reading
Reading is the best activity to share with one’s children, especially in the evenings when everyone is settled in for the night. Being engaged in one’s children’s reading habits also helps them understand the importance of education and learning. For preschool children, guiding them in their reading or reading with them aloud helps build their confidence. As they grow older, trips to the library together or reading the same book provides common grounds of interest which can further enhance father-child bonding.
Outdoor Activities
Spending time outdoor is great for children; and it is made even more memorable if they are doing it with their fathers. Going on hiking trails, jogging, riding bicycles or even doing gardening together is not only a healthy option, but teaches children to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Sports
Being involved in one’s children’s sports lives is one of the greatest gifts a father can provide. As they participate in competitive sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball or football, they will need all the encouragement and support they can get. One can either get seriously into it by volunteering as a soccer coach or just make an effort to attend every game they play in. A father can also practice with their kids on a regular basis and make occasional trips to watch live games in the stadium.
Weekend Campouts
Love speaks volumes when a father sets aside his busy schedule, puts on his camping boots and takes his family for a special weekend campout. Even though campouts last a few days, but stories around the camp fire and experiences shared in the outdoors will linger on for many years to come, even after one’s children have all grown with families of their own.
Hobbies
Sharing a passion or interest in a particular hobby such as photography, fishing, scrapbooking, stamp collecting or radio control cars and aircrafts is a great way to spend time with one’s kids. A parent often finds a ‘generation gap’ when his child grows older due to differences in opinions, values and attitudes. A hobby provides each an inroad into one another’s turf and bridges this gap with a common interest that both feel strongly about.
Chores and Errands
Spending time with one’s kids does not always involve special outings or events. It can take place in mundane household chores such as clearing the garage or taking the dog for a walk or going to the grocery store. For example, strong family bonding can be built based on everyday conversations at the dinner table.
Movies and Video Games
It is without a doubt that children today are fascinated and completely absorbed with technology. The computer and television are perhaps the most well utilized gadgets in the house. Fathers can understand and relate better with their children by watching their favorite television programs and playing their favorite video games with them.
Volunteer
Setting a good example to one’s children is a great heritage to pass down to the next generation. As children witness their fathers perform good deeds, they inevitably like to do likewise. Studies have shown that kids who have good father role models are more likely to become successful, caring and responsible adults. By signing up for volunteer work at a homeless shelter, retirement home or non-profit organization, one can instill in one’s kids the importance of a caring heart.
The most crucial ingredient when cultivating father-child bonding is spending time together. Making time for one’s kids can be a challenge to many fathers especially when faced with hectic work schedules. Nevertheless, making time to engage with one’s children during their growing years is the best investment one can ever make for the future.