Woori Yallock Primary School Newsletter

Chaplains Chat 

Veronica Tirchett

Being a Great Dad

Well this Sunday will be a first as we celebrate Father’s Day during stage 4 lockdown.  I hope I can encourage you all not to let this take away from the gratitude and joy we can express to these special men in our lives. Time to become creative and to look for new ways to make this a memorable and happy day for all dads.

According to a study from the Pennsylvania University, the quality of parenting shown by fathers, as well as the resources they bring to their families, predicts children’s behavioural problems, depression, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Adolescents function best when their fathers are involved in their lives and there is strong evidence that proves fathers play an important role in helping their children make a healthy transition to adulthood.

 

Here are just a few ways that dads can support their children and help them on their journey towards maturity:

  1. Prioritise time. Dads need to ask, “ Where does my family fit into my schedule? Can I include my children in activities that I normally do by myself?”
  2. Make one night a week family fun night. Fathers need to find at least one night a week to be together as a family and to enjoy one another’s company - and make it fun!
  3. Eat at least one meal together a day. Cooking and eating together as a family is a great way to share news and plan for any upcoming events.
  4. Plan time for family outings. Find an activity that the entire family enjoys or take turns choosing a family activity.
  5. Work together around the house. There are always things that need to get done around the home. Think of creative and enjoyable ways that you can do these tasks together with your children. 
  6. Look for opportunities to spend individual time with the children.  One –on-one time with children encourages value and self – worth in a child.
  7. Take time to turn off electronic devices. It is so important that dads not allow technology to take priority over family time. Spending time attentively listening to the family lets them know they are valued.

Children like to know they have strong support when they need it and when it comes to providing support, there is no one better than a loving, caring dad!

Hope you all have a very special Father’s Day this Sunday as your children lavish their love, hugs and kisses upon you.

Blessings,

Veronica