I was fortunate to spend my childhood living in the same village as my maternal grandfather and grandmother who were, by the time I came along, both retired, financially stable and emotionally available to their grandchildren. The time and energy they invested in our care and instruction were invaluable, and though they passed by the time I was 19, to this day they remain two of the most important relationships of my lifetime. I still think of them pretty much daily. This weekend, as we celebrate our father figures, may we remember all of the men who lead and support through loving example every day. See The secret of being a good father:
Babies with emotionally engaged dads show better mental development as toddlers and are less likely to have behavioural problems later on, compared to babies whose dads behave in a more detached way. Older children benefit, too. Those whose fathers, or father figures, are more emotionally supportive, tend to be more satisfied with life and have better relationships with teachers and other children…
“The factors that lead to the formation of relationships are exactly the same for mother and father…It really comes down to the emotional availability, recognising the child’s needs, responding to those, providing the comfort and support that the child needs.”
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