A dad's role for both mom and child
Parenting is tough.
In the past, the phrase "parenting is tough" was often unconsciously associated with mothers. However, now there are many families where both mothers and fathers cooperate to balance work and child-rearing. Many fathers may feel unsure about what role they should play and may be confused.
Have you ever thought about what role a father plays for the child, from a mother's perspective? With the variety of families and different family structures today, it’s not something that can be easily defined or asserted.
- Gratitude and Smiles
This is important for both mothers and fathers as a basic principle.
No matter what, right after a child is born, the mother’s burden is naturally greater than the father’s, due to things like breastfeeding. In such a situation, if gratitude for each other’s parenting efforts can be expressed naturally, communication between the couple improves. And adding smiles on top of gratitude—this is key. Before marriage, there were smiles, but after the child is born... and as the child grows... have those smiles disappeared? When a father expresses gratitude with a smile, it creates smooth communication within the family. Children are always watching their parents first and foremost. It’s often said that a child’s running or walking style resembles that of their parents. When gratitude and smiles overflow, the whole family tends to have a positive atmosphere.
- Realizing What the Child Wants to Do
There are things that are physically difficult for mothers to do alone, and there are tasks where the father may be more suited. For example, as children grow, tasks like carrying or giving piggyback rides become challenging. These are roles the father can take on when the mother can’t. By helping a child do what they want, their motivation and willpower grow. And fathers, try doing what you want with your child too. Of course, mothers can do this as well. When children see their parents having fun doing what they enjoy, it brightens their future.
If you're unsure of what you want to do, it could be something simple, like watching anime or revisiting a sport from your student days. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just show them the joy of doing something you love.Supporting Through Words and Actions
This overlaps with point 1.
These days, it’s becoming more common for both partners to share responsibilities for housework, child-rearing, and work.
But there will be times when work is difficult or when you face challenges in relationships. In these moments, if you simply express that you need a break or that you're struggling, it can make a huge difference.
For example, saying "Today, something happened, and I have a busy case at work…" can change how your wife perceives the situation. Simply communicating can smooth things over in the marriage and family relationships.
And on a day off, even if it's just "Let me make dinner or help put the child to bed," it’s all about starting with what you can do.
Finally, to all the Dads doing their best
This is your first experience, and it’s understandable that you may feel full of anxiety. But by gradually building up from the things you can do, you’ll become an amazing dad. Moms are the same. So, support each other as parents and raise wonderful children together.
With consideration as the key word, I hope this article helps improve the parenting and family relationships of as many people as possible.