Sixty percent of modern Dads reckon they are better at parenting than their fathers were and I think they are right. My dear old Dad was born in 1907 and he knew exactly what was expected of father. For example, he knew he was the undisputed head of the house… in the same sense that the Queen is the head of the New Zealand, and that is, in name only. In just about every practical daily detail, he happily deferred to Mum. But, if bears had ever attacked, or tornadoes struck, then, no doubt, he would have assumed the mantle of leadership. He would have emerged from the cloud of cigarette smoke that perpetually wreathed him and battled manfully. He also shouldered the roles of being the maker of tree-huts, the bicycle-riding instructor and the fishing tutor. He only cooked when Mum was sick and I am sure his food did not aid her recovery. He was a good man of his times but those times have long past.
Modern Dads are becoming better Dads. It is still not hard to find dud Dads and Mums still do more than they should, but Dads are catching up. They are prepared to learn, read books and step out of their comfort zone. They cook, know about their kids’ allergies and do dad-dates. Modern Dads are increasingly brave: they are prepared to sit on those little seats at kindy, do school trips and attend parent-teacher interviews.
Modern Dads engage with their babies more. Despite lacking a pelvic ledge to park an infant, men find that they can actually enjoy spending time with their children. Research show men spend three times as much time with their kids as Dads did back in the 1970s.
Fatherhood is enjoying a renaissance. The old-fashioned dads did okay, but I reckon they are getting even better. I am very optimistic about the modern Dad: I predict he is going to do better and better. Why shouldn’t the next crop of kids have the best dads yet!
Just one Dad tip to help you. Think of yourself as the Rock of Gibaltar – solid and sunny. Solid: you might have to set the limits and hold them – but sunny: your warmth and good humour will achieve more anger ever will.