by Stephen Mark Richardson

Created on: August 23, 2009

More fathers are becoming more involved in what has been historically considered as "women's responsibilities". Hilary Pereira, an ivillage writer addressing the topic of stay-at-home dads, considers these sorts of activities to include attending children centres, nursery's, schools, and the general day to day running of the family home.

Regardless of who decides to remain at home and take up the role of "stay-at-home parent", there are a number of common traits that both male and female parents should possess in order to provide the best for their children.

Good Enough Parenting

Regardless of the dynamics of a household, the important thing to consider is that children need to develop, and will do so in a number of ways. The Department of Health's Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000) suggests that parenting is an integral concept in the development of a child. As long as a parent ensures safety, emotional warmth, stimulation, guidance and boundaries, and stability, he or she will be fulfilling the parenting aspect of child development.

Ensure Safety

The concept of safety has to be addressed primarily, as it is one of the most important factors to consider when determining how to be the best stay-home dad you can be. The term safety is pretty self explanatory, and is concerned with the general protection of your children. This includes protection while in and out of the family home, and also involves protecting your children from any potential harm that could occur by being around other people/ adults.

Emotional Warmth

To provide emotional warmth means to ensure your children's emotional needs are met. In his book, Verbal Behavior [Copley Publishing Group, 1957] psychologist B.F. Skinner identified this to includes appropriate sensitivity, love, and positive reinforcement. It's easy to dwell on the negatives, however by highlighting the positives, and giving support and praise to your children, this will be the correct stepping stone in order for you to give them the emotional warmth they consciously or even subconsciously desire.

Provide Stimulation

Taking the responsibility for your child's learning pre-or even post-starting school is a key to stimulation. Even as tiny babies, your children are trying to make sense of the world they live in, and you play a larger part than you think. Even though babies may not be able to understand what you're saying, they can pick up on how you might be feeling. Furthermore,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>