Fatherhood

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "...Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters. "I agree with this completely. I think that fatherhood is a universal career. I believe that it is the most important calling that a man can hold. It is an eternal calling with great responsibility and influence. It has the ability to bring out not only the best in men, but also the best in their wives and children.

How Dads are Different

            Fathers parent and discipline differently. They have a distinct way of acting with their children. In my research I saw that even when children are eight weeks old they can tell the difference between the way they interact with dad as separate and distinct from the way that their mothers interact with them. Fathers are more likely to use discipline techniques such as lecturing and taking away privileges than mothers. Overall they are more strict on their children than mom, but this allows children to experience differences. Even though they parent differently than mom they help to reinforce the family values.

            Fathers play differently with their children. Dads chase and roughhouse with their children. They are a lot less protective than mothers. They let children run faster and climb higher. They allow children to push the limits and experience thrills. They even help children to learn better self-control; with the differences of mom and dad children experience more variety and are able to grow and understand more. These interaction help teach children about relationships.

Fathers provide children with a view of men. During their early years children are definitely around more women than men. However dad is the consistent man in their life. He offers children their first and most permanent look into the world of men. They look, talk, act, dress and think differently than women. It has been proven in different studies that fathers affect their child’s sexuality more than women. They are responsible for showing girls what men are like, and showing their sons how to treat women. Children with fathers around have healthier romantic relationships later in life. Sociologist David Propone said this, "Fathers are far more than just 'second adults' in the home. Involved fathers — especially biological fathers — bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring."

Fathers help children with communication. Dads are less likely than mothers to speak to children at their own level. Often they do not change their language to fit the child’s understanding, and in doing this they help children’s vocabulary to grow more and develop. Cognitive skills improve when there is a father in the home.

Fathers help prepare children for the real world. Children are told more often by their fathers that people will not like them if they behave a specific way. They are more honest with their children than women. Often they do not sugarcoat things for their children. They are real and honest with those they raise. Fatherhood is important!!