Clement Urieto

As Gender-Based Role As gender-based roles continue to evolve within families, there is increasing evidence of the positive impact of fathers' involvement in their children's development. According to research, paternal involvement yields a different and complementary effect that supports young children's mental and socio-emotional wellbeing. Four primary differing but complementary ways fathers compliment their spouse's care giving roles, and their impact on their children's development include:  Language development: the more words and language children are exposed to at an early age, the more significant benefit for school readiness. Children exposed to language and vocabulary through both parents benefit from the additive effect of both hearing more words and more variety. Additionally, new research indicates that fathers can significantly impact their child's language development more than mothers. Involved fathers ask more questions than mothers typically do, which helps their children use more words and develop better conversational skills.  Math & Reading: do you want to know about the new wonder IQ pill for excellent numerical and literacy skills well consolidated into the elementary school? A lavish dose of tender loving care from Papa it is! According to research findings, the more time fathers spend enriching, stimulating play with their child/ren—such as playing pretend or sharing stories—the better their math and reading scores are at 10 and 11 years old.  Risk-taking and problem-solving behaviours: yes, you read that right . Fathers don't play "safe" or lots of pretend play like mothers usually would. Fathers are more physically engaged in high-energy activities such as "rough & tumble" games with their children. Depending on the father's personality type and energy drive, these games sometimes involve fast-changing rules during play that "force" the child to adapt quickly to the changes. These highenergy and fast-paced play engagements help children learn how to make decisions and stay focused when experiencing emotionally arousing states.  Positive role modelling in the relationship: various long-spanning researches prove that involved fathers can teach their teenage children how to function in a relationship adopt health and wellbeing behaviours by modelling relationships with their spouses. They reduce the risk of such children developing behavioural problems, engaging in early sexual experiences, teenage pregnancies among girls, and better sexual health for adolescent boys. So now we know how beneficial a double dose of tender loving care coming from both parents benefits their child/ren in the short and long term; socio-emotional, language, cognitive, and in the promotion of healthy relationship with the opposite gender as children transition into adolescence and adulthood, how can fathers get involved? Mothers have been shaped by culture and societal expectations to fulfil direct caregiving roles over the years. For fathers who have not had practice in this regard and are interested in achieving the best outcomes for their children, here are a few ways you can be involved in your child's development: WAYS FATHERS CAN BE INVOLVED  Be involved right from the start! Being involved and providing socioemotional care for your spouse during pregnancy reduces risk factors associated with a stressful pregnancy and helps you bond with your unborn baby in ways that transit to when you finally get to hold them in your arms.  Reading to & with your child: your baby can hear and recognize familiars around them right from the 6th month in the womb, including your voice. Take time to cuddle with your pregnant spouse and read to your baby. It increases the marital bond and the possibility that you can continue with this cognitively enriching exercise when your baby is born and as they grow older. Reading to your child from an early age is the magical wonder of vocabulary development and reading readiness.  Performing caregiving tasks: bathing, feeding, and playing with your child may feel strange when you start if you do not come from a cultural background where this is encouraged among the male gender. With practice, it becomes more natural, especially when you know that you are building a solid foundation for your child's social-emotional development.  Playing with and teaching your child: this is also about considerate, responsible parenting; your wife needs that occasional support and the opportunity to be lounging in the sitting room to let her hair down while you spend time doing some daddy duties. This benefits your children, strengthens the marital relationship with your spouse, and has long-term benefits for children; happy homes are safe havens for all children.