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| Shoulder-to-Shoulder (Photo by Madchester) |
The earthly bond between mother and child is often extolled, whereas the one between father and child is often overlooked.
Nevertheless, there are valuable aspects of fatherhood that motherhood doesn't usually provide. Tia Ghose of
Live Science points out that whereas motherhood and fatherhood
are not necessarily in competition, there are certain things that dads often "do better."
Because many dads "have a special strength in physical play, rough-and-tumble play," they can help teach their kids (teenagers in particular) that "aggressive and sexual" are not the only two types of touch. Psychologist Larry Cohen, author of Playful
Parenting, explains that "when parents engage in roughhousing [e.g., "tickling or pillow fights"] with their kids," the "cuddle chemical" oxytocin is released.
Dads can also be far more laid back than moms. Their
"don't call me unless you're bleeding" approach can be a confidence-building boon. It teaches
children how to sort out their own "messes and scrapes."
Sharing "shoulder-to-shoulder" type activities with kids is another fatherhood strength. Things like
hiking together or engaging in a crafts project together not only builds confidence, but also competence. This differs from the "face-to-face" style of emotional intimacy that moms often use.
Resources
http://news.yahoo.com/6-ways-dads-win-parenting-152144359.html
Copyright June 16, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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