It is often said that fathers are not involved enough in raising children and running the home. Are we still dealing with the stereotype that women are mainly responsible for the home? Or do mothers themselves not quite like sharing their responsibilities with the head of the family?
A father's pro-active attitude is important for the proper development of his child - Iwona Gryszkin, M.D., children's nutritionist, explains why it is so important to increase the role of the father in the child's upbringing - also in terms of a healthy diet.
The neglected role of the father
A report from a study commissioned by the Centre for Human Resource Development as part of the 'Reconciliation of Family and Professional Roles of Women and Men' project shows that dads spend an average of 32 minutes a day with their children. Not much better are the results of an analysis conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - from this report we learn that a working Polish father devotes on average 40 minutes a day to his child, while an unemployed father devotes only 57.
These data, although statistical, should give food for thought to many parents - both father and mother. An analysis of trends in this area in recent decades shows a positive change, but still less than an hour a day is definitely not enough to take care of a child's proper development, upbringing and health.
The role of the father is extremely important in the life of a toddler, who learns much of the world by observing what is around him. Every person is different, every parent builds a relationship with their child a little differently - it is this duality that allows the toddler to understand different patterns, to find himself in different situations - this shapes his personality, his values, his understanding of the world around him.
The secrets of children's menus
There have been many publications about the inadequate involvement of fathers in the upbringing of children and probably even more humorous anecdotes or cabaret sketches.
- Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly apparent nowadays that fathers are not fully involved in the process of bringing up their children - and it's not just about playing with the toddler, but also about more mundane activities, such as looking after their diet and - related to this - helping with the daily shopping," notes Iwona Gryszkin.
- The involvement of both parents is extremely important; a balance in this area not only has a positive impact on the child's development, but is also invaluable for their safety.
Photo ojoimages
A father privy to the secrets of his child's habits, diet, favourite products and health will be able to rise to the occasion in any unforeseen situation - even when it is impossible to telephone the child's mother. It is for the child's safety, among other reasons, that mothers should share their knowledge and experience with fathers.
