Year of the Dad aims to celebrate ‘the Dad effect’

Modern family situations can be difficult but that shouldn’t affect dads

It’s Father’s Day on June 19 but sadly dads can sometimes be peripheral figures in a child’s life. Luckily the Year of the Dad campaign has come to the rescue.

Celebrating the difference a great father figure can make to children’s wellbeing, confidence, and educational attainment, it’s organised by Fathers Network Scotland and aims to support families and organisations to help dads to have a positive involvement at home, whatever their circumstances.

There is no such thing as a typical dad – today’s father can be single or married: externally employed or a stay-at home dad; gay or straight.

Sean Gibson, from Fintryside in Dundee, and his ex-partner April Duguid soon realised that the children had to come first. Sean, dad to Arianna (11), Ava (10) and six-year-old Mason-Bruce – has been separated from his ex for nearly four years.

Sean, who works for a local diesel fuel supplier, explains: “At first we argued a lot in front of the kids which was not good for them.

“I have a good relationship with my ex now and we really do work together with the kids – they come first and need both of us. That’s the most important thing.”

Sean has always played an active role in his children’s upbringing and enjoys spending time with them.

“Always let them know you are there for them,” he stresses.

“It’s important people know that dads are as important a parent as mums and should be involved in every decision regarding their child,” he observes.

“Often in society everything is leaned towards the mother, which isn’t fair.

Parents are equal with equal responsibilities – after all, it takes two to make a child.”

Last year One Parent Families Scotland supported almost 60 fathers in Dundee.

“Dads are as important as mums

Brock Lueck, from One Parent Families Scotland, says: “We believe that when parents separate, children are more likely to succeed when both mum and dad are an active part of their life.

“Lots of things can get in the way of that; from social stigma to money problems to how legal issues get sorted out.

“It’s crucial that we start to give higher priority to the many families affected by these issues.”

Sean and April have always put their three children first.