Ways fathers can inspire their children

Characteristics of the child

Courage, curiosity, and self confidence are some examples of valuable qualities that children can learn from their father figure(s). Children who grow up with good role models in their life, like an engaged father, often show less negative emotions, uncertainty, and fear.

The development of the child

Research has shown that when a father figure shows support and affection to a child, that this can stimulate several different abilities. For example, it can stimulate cognitive ability - ability of the brain. This can help children learn better and have better memory recall. Next to this, father figures can also stimulate “empathy and social skills”. This helps children learn how to deal with their own emotions and how they can interact socially with others. Finally, it helps them learn how to put themselves in others' shoes and be empathetic to others’ feelings.

The child’s performance in school

As we mentioned above, an engaged father figure stimulates many developments in a child. And guess what? This also has a positive effect on the child’s performance in school. On average, children with a present father figure perform better in school. Children with a father figure often perform better in other areas as well, such as sports or work.

Relationships with others

Having a father figure doesn’t only have influence on the development of the child and what type of person they become, father figures also have influence on what type of relationships that the children have with others. The way that the father interacts with the children has an impact on what the children look for in other people. For example, what they look for in their friends, and later potentially other types of relationships: romantic, work, etc. The patterns that the father shows in their relationship with their children can determine how the children interact with others.

Being brave

Nothing is more fun than playing games with your father figure, having competitions, climbing trees, puddle jumping, and building forts! These activities are really great and a fun way for fathers to bond with their children. But, these activities aren’t only fun, you can also learn a lot from them as a child! These are typical activities where kids can learn how to be brave from their father figure(s), to push boundaries and persevere. Characteristics where you’re sure to benefit from in your life!

What it Means to Be a Dad: Interview with Father's Around the World

For Father’s Day last year, we talked about the typical dad stereotypes but also the ways in which their role is changing in modern families. Despite the stereotypes, dads can be very caring, reliable and attentive. To better understand what dads feel and experience, we asked 10 dads from around the world one question: “What makes being a dad so special for you?”. Their responses might surprise you!

Dad from England - “Being a father is a life task that you usually voluntarily undertake yourself. Here you can put all your love, care and joy into what makes you a happy person. And being a dad also makes you very proud.”

Dad from France - “It demands accountability and responsibility, you need to know how to make the right decisions. It’s not about you anymore, it’s about your child. I'm proud to be a dad. You learn every single day. You’re happy about it because you created this human being.”

Dad from North America - “For me it was, and is, the teaching and guiding my children how to navigate this world successfully. The bonus for me is seeing how well my children are navigating and succeeding in their lives.”

Dad from The Netherlands - “Being a dad is choosing values and norms and trying to pass them on as well as possible.”

Dad from New Zealand - "Raising your kids no matter what they are becoming through the years. Build their character by doing spooky pranks to them. Watch them grow and become this responsible adult. Accept to let go on them and encourage them to experience the world without you, to make it their own."

Dad from Australia - “Being a dad is special to me for the love it puts into my life, the purpose it gives me, and the joy of seeing love, nurture and guidance grow a beautiful person to call your own.”

Dad from The Netherlands - “As a dad, you give a lot of love, but you even receive more love back from your little ones.”

Dad from Italy - "Keep improving yourself together with your future generation.”

Dad from Belgium - “Being a dad makes you re-discover life, from growing up to being an adult.”

Dad from Finland - "To get to do and experience small things in life with my daughter... for example, I learned horseback riding just to go to the stables with my girl."

Without a doubt, dads have a lot of love for their children. Interestingly, our quotes from dads show that they hold themselves accountable for their children’s future, and feel a great deal of responsibility to ensure their children are healthy, happy and doing well in life. We can also see that dads find a lot of purpose in being a father, and that they’re very proud to be called dad!

We know that dads play such an important role in our lives (a role that is often undermined!). So, if you’re looking to give him some time off to enjoy all to himself, why not organise a babysitter to take over for the day? You can search for babysitters in your area to find the perfect sitter for your family.

We really want to thank all of the supporting and caring fathers around the world and we wish you a Happy Fathers’ Day!

Are you looking for inspiration for presents this Fathers’ Day? We’ve got you covered! Check out our super simple Father’s Day DIYs for kids and surprise your dad with a homemade gift!

Father figures are amazing and bring so much good into children’s lives. Put your father figure in the spotlight this Father’s Day!