 |
| Retrieved from www.floridaearlylearning.com |
How are fathers involved in child rearing? What is
known about the influence of father involvement on children’s literacy practices? These are the questions I became interested in after reading
the article of Clark (2009) about father’s involvement in developing children’s
literacy.
The ideas of fatherhood have
changed. There is a tendency for fathers to participate more fully in family
life. For example, 43 per cent of British fathers take paternity leave; the
percentage of new fathers in the UK who work flexi time to spend more time with
their children rose from 11 percent to 31 percent between 2002 and 2005
(Smeaton, 2006 as cited in Clark, 2009).
Although fathers might want
to spend more time with their children, there are some obstacles that hinder
their involvement. The first barrier is a provider role of fathers. This role
of a financial supporter prescribed by society dictates certain behavior, especially
in Kazakhstan where the roles have been strictly divided between males and
females since ancient times. For example, most fathers would never babysit or
do household work that is considered a female job.
Another potential barrier relates
to a psychological one; fathers are uncertain about their role in their
children’s learning (Clark, 2009). Fathers may be discouraged from becoming
involved in developing children’s literacy because of feelings of inadequacy of
their own literacy as well.
Some people would
hypothesize that fathers are less sensitive and caring towards children because
they do not have an experience with childcare, but Lamb (1997) refutes this
belief by arguing that fathers are as capable as mothers, and behave
responsively and sensitively in interactions with their children (as cited in
Clark, 2009). In fact, studies have indicated that fathers make an important
contribution to the lives of their children, who benefit in numerous ways,
including increased cognitive abilities, higher self-esteem, increased social
competence, healthier relationships with peers, access to better financial
resources, and better health outcomes (Clark, 2009).
In a nutshell, involvement
of both parents is highly important and beneficial in developing children’s
literacy. Despite stereotypes and mentioned above hindrances, fathers are as
sensitive and caring as mothers, and should be equally involved in child rearing
and developing their literacy.
References
Clark, C. (2009). Why Fathers Matter to Their Children's Literacy. National
Literacy Trust.
There is the tendency to think that one of the mother’s role in the family is taking care of the children while the father’s one is to earn the living of the family. However, we should not forget that both parents should be involved in their child’s upbringing and educating. The father also plays crucial role in developing personality of his child especially if it is a boy. Boys need the fathers’ support and understanding as fathers first are exemplars for their sons. Father’s participation in developing his child’s literacy is also significant. He can do different literacy activities at home, which will have profound impact on his child’s academic achievement. Simple short conversation about a child’s day in the evening can help him/her to learn new words and practice creating a narrative. It will develop a child’s reading skills. Different games with the use of letters, words, or problem solving activities can improve a child’s thinking skills. The most important for parents is participation in children’s life.
ReplyDeleteDear Arna!
ReplyDeletethank you for this intriguing post about fathers' involvement. The term as a parental leave is surprised me a lot. It is one more proof about the gender defferences in our country. Because, in KZ it is strongly believed that a mother is responsible for eveything even she got married at the age of 15-16 when she is already a child. Fathers ashemed even to wash babyslippers, because it is not thier responsibility. However, I really do agree with your post that father involvement is the most crucial this both for girl and boy. For girls, fathers cou;d give a sense of self confedence that she is a princess and the most beautiful and the smartest one. For boys, the sense of self responsibility, that he has to do his actions till the end.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that each parent has his or her own role in upbringing a child. Who should defend and support the family if not a father? It is obvious because a man is stronger and rather smarter in certain things than a woman. Therefore, a woman should take care of a child and babysit while a man must support the whole family. It is not men’s issue to deal with small things in the family such as baby-sit or do household work. We should not take the experience of British fathers as a model for our Kazakh fathers who have different cultural background. Instead, we must take as an epitome the behavior of our ancestors.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI also strongly agree that each parent must be equally involved in their children's upbringing. When I used to study at school I did not need much help from my parents in academic sense. However, when my father started to expalain something in math or wanted to help me in other subjects I paid a very pure attention to his advices. I think this happens because fathers' role in a family is powerful and correspondingly we percieve their attention seriously.