Fathers as nurturer

The National Fatherhood Initiative encourages responsible father involvement in families as protector, nurturer and comforter. Father as nurturer is the foundation of all the ways in which a dad serves as a role model. Paternal nurturing during early infancy builds trust and trust forms the basis of all subsequent relationships.

‘Comforter’ comes from a Latin word that means ‘to give their strength’ if which fathers are to be models of strength they also need to model comfort. This is important for sons and daughters. Sons need to grow up learning to be sensitive to their children’s needs and to balance assertiveness with tenderness. Daughters also relate to these qualities in their fathers and they are likely to seek out these qualities in their own Partners.

​Fathers touching, holding, talking and gazing at their infant following birth and during infancy leads to affectionate behavior during childhood and adolescence. From a father’s nurturing example your children learn to connect with people with their eyes, hands and heart. No matter what occupation a child goes into, the ability to connect with people is a valuable asset.
 
Nurturing, comforting and protecting from the newborn period on, forms the basis of a child’s
emotional experience. The Professional journals and the internet are now filled with articles reporting results confirming the importance of the father’s nurturing presence. Involved responsible fathers are critical in the development of healthy, happy children.