Let’s Hear It for the Dads!
It’s June, the month we celebrate dads on Father’s Day. When it comes to dads in the movies and television, it’s a mixed bag at best. We have more bumbling, stumbling, comical and marginal male parents than those moms who let us into their situation comedy homes.
Consider the countless Homer Simpsons, Al Bundys and Archie Bunkers as well as the myriad of Tony Sopranos, Marty Byrdes and Mickey Donovans that fill our 70” screens. Sure, we have our fair share of great father figures over the years. Ben Cartwright, Eric Taylor, Gomez Adams, “Dre” Johnson all make us proud to be dads.
So, do dads really matter when it comes to raising children? The answer is an unequivocal YES!
The impact starts early. When a dad gets involved during pregnancy it’s much more likely that he’ll be more involved in parenting later on. Dads who offer emotional support, perform caregiving tasks and read often to their children can make a big impact!
Active fathers make a difference. The emotional support a dad provides is a priceless gift. When a dad helps his children, they feel valued and loved, and the dividends are high.
Remember, it’s the quality of the time that we spend with our children. Just watching television together isn’t going to be very helpful. Get outdoors and play, go to the museum, take a bike ride, engage them in board games, and read together. Get creative!
The work of Paul Amato, PhD, a sociologist who studies parent-child relationships at Pennsylvania State University, suggests that fathers are important for a child’s development. “When fathers are actively involved with their children, children do better,” notes Professor Amato.
There’s no questioning that parenting styles impact a child’s wellbeing long into the future. Let’s also acknowledge that circumstances vary, but the outcomes can be the same. Children thrive in single parent homes because of the commitment of moms and dads, as do children in blended families and those raised by grandparents and guardians. When adults in a child’s life know the difference they can make, and they are committed to making the lives of children better, then futures are brighter.
In the movie Footloose, Deniece Williams sang “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” I suggest we all sing “Let’s Hear It for the DADS” and the enormous role dads play.
So, as we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s celebrate dads as well as moms, grandparents, guardians and the important roles we all have, and let’s agree to up our game going forward.
By: Don Shalvey
Dr. Don Shalvey is the CEO of San Joaquin A+. He is widely recognized as an innovative leader in public education. Don’s career includes roles as a teacher and principal, ten years as superintendent in San Carlos, founding both California’s first charter school and Aspire Public Schools, and 11 years as a deputy director for K-12 education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Shalvey is a frequent advisor to policy makers and school system leaders. The prestigious Ashoka Foundation recognized Don as a Fellow for his outstanding work as a social entrepreneur. Don brings a half-century of experience to the boards he serves, including his role as a Regent at the University of Pacific, the oldest chartered university in California. Don earned an EdD in educational leadership and administration from the University of Southern California, an EdM in counseling and guidance from Gonzaga University and a BA from LaSalle University.
