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Thu, Jan 08, 2009
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Fathers crucial to kids' upbringing

FATHERS and mothers have an equal role to play in bringing up their children.

It is true that, when it comes to fathering, Asians differ from their British and American counterparts in style.

Asian fathers place the imparting of values at the centre of their child-rearing methods, and introduce their children to religion at an early age.

They also teach their children the importance of family values and being law-abiding.

This way, values are passed down through the generations.

While Asian fathers can be strict, they are also a nurturing force, preparing their children for the challenges of adulthood.

In Asia, the moral dimension of fatherhood is unmistakeable.

Traditionally, Asian fathers are seen as custodians of the family, the clan and society.

In earlier times, fathers were viewed as the enforcers of morals and values.

They were seen as distant figures who wielded enormous power over their families.

Wives were expected to defer to husbands in matters of child-rearing, and a father could still have moral authority over his children even after they had become adults.

Today, it is generally agreed that men and women should no longer be regarded as "opposites" as both share equal responsibility for their children.

It is important to remember that mothers and fathers bring different strengths to their roles, which complement each other.

The effects of attachment to one's children are wide-ranging and long-lasting.

Studies have shown that fathers who spent time with their infants and had a positive attitude were more likely to have babies who were strongly attached to them.

It also promoted the child's well-being, perceptual abilities and ability for social interaction, even at a young age.

Surveys state that children whose fathers are involved in their education are likely to do well in school.

In addition, these children will also participate actively in extra-curricular activities.

Therefore, the importance of a father's role in a child's development should not be discounted.

Mr Nur Suhardi Mohamed


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readers' comments
What can fathers do to give their children the best possible upbringing?
Posted by Forum goddess on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 at 15:43 PM
When a child is born, he/she is a piece of blank paper. Just like you buy Oracle database.....initialzed without any records.

A child will emulate/cut and paste from what he/she learns.

Be a father or mother, grandparents, relative......they learn from you.
The father and mother is equally important in the upbringing.

A responsible parent will teach the child correctly.
Irresponsible means bringing the sh.it things from the adult and force fit into the child 大人的恩怨, 不要传达给小孩.....如果你爱你孩子.
Posted by Little_GreenDOT on Fri, 9 Jan 2009 at 08:42 AM
I absolutely agree. I am a divorcee and constantly worry about the psychological impact of my kids because they do not have a positive role model in their father. I see other families with strong paternal influence and note that their kids just behave better. I worry that my son will grow up and adopt his father's irresponsible attitudes and ways ....
Posted by scorpio62 on Fri, 9 Jan 2009 at 08:18 AM

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