Love your dads while you have them

I RECOLLECT my dad’s life. He truly was mindful of his role as a father.

My father brought us up with much difficulty. Mind you, there were eight of us. On a small salary he discharged his fatherly duty to us and upheld other duties too.

He brought us up well. He taught us the value of love and forgiveness. He made sure we were brought up right, a disciplined a lot.

And I will always be grateful to him for bringing us in up in the Sikh religion.

And what of fathers today? They have to let their kids know that they love them. Children who feel loved are more likely to develop a strong emotional bond with their father and have healthy self-esteem.

Fathers can be a positive male role model. Children, regardless of gender, need positive male and female role models in their lives. Research has shown that involved fathers promote positive behaviours by setting proper examples for their children.

And that children tend to be happier and more confident when their fathers are actively involved in their lives.

Research also suggests men and women often differ in their parenting styles. It can be healthy for children to be exposed to different perspectives on life.

Fathers are great people. You will know this when they are no more. Love them while you have them.

Bulbir Singh

Seremban