WAYS IN WHICH DADS DIFFER TO MOMS

It is important to understand that fathers parent differently, because dads don’t always think like moms. Children obtain different yet complementary skills from their dads and moms.

■ Moms are generally more emotional and dads are more detached. Children need to learn both: the expression of emotions as well as detachment from emotions.

■ Mothers tend to sympathise with their children, while dads tend to empathise and look for solutions. A dad’s methods of handling emotions teaches a child that emotions are okay, but that they must not prevent us from taking the necessary steps to resolve the problem.

■ Moms inspire kids to protect themselves, while dads motivate them to take risks. Challenges are very important for growth. A dad’s adventurous nature helps kids explore their potential and challenges them to grow. Dads teach their kids to face failure bravely and learn from it. This inspires them with self-confidence and independence in performing their tasks.

■ Moms symbolise sanctuary, warmth and love. Dads symbolise strength for most kids. Therefore, having their dad around gives them a sense of security.

■ Often it’s the moms, in charge of getting meals on the table and children to bed, who inadvertently teach kids to stick to a routine, while dads inspire them to be more flexible. Dads teach kids to take life less seriously and have some serious fun.

■ Dads are different in the way they nurture and express their affection. For example, a dad may play in a puddle with his kids – it’s his way of telling his kids that he enjoys their kind of fun because he loves them. ●

It is important to understand that fathers parent differently because dads don’t always think like moms.