Fatherhood Under Threat: A Father's Day Message

Frank Pittman, 1993 asserted that "being a father is life's fullest expression of masculinity". It is no secret today that after more than a century of celebrating Father's Day and father parenting, that Fatherhood is under attack, under siege and highly compromised by modern society. In an age where humans act like Gods, defies moral codes, and society swims against the tide of Natural Law, the role of Fathers have been severely eroded and threatened. Crime have snatched many of our biological dads, leaving their children fatherless. Society have become highly preoccupied with righting the wrongs of past generations, concentrating heavy on gender equality, leaving our males grossly marginalized and sidelined. Moreover, the proliferation of irregular household compositions have preoccupied the social conversation, an act that would further deprive our children of valid Father figures and ultimately imperil their welfare. Certainly, without question or difficulty is the importance of valid Father figures to the healthy development of our children and by extension our Nation. In an age where we seem to have more daddies than fathers, it is imperative that the powers that be focus on the design and implementation of Fatherhood Programs, which would by all means have resounding benefits for the institution of the family and subsequently society. The influence of better Fathers and functional family units can only impact positively and contribute to a more balanced child and how that child would grow up and see the world. As we celebrate this day coined by Sonora Smart Dodd, let us focus on fostering the seven dimensions of effective fathering. Let us envision innovative ways to encourage the "deadbeat" dads who have neglected their role of Fatherhood. Let us borrow from past generations methods that would allow fathers to build closer relationships with their children. 

             'The seven dimension of effective fathering'

• Fostering a positive relationship with the children's mother
• Spending time with children
• Nurturing children
• Disciplining children appropriately
• Serving as a guide to the outside world
• Protecting and providing
• Serving as a positive role model.

It is with the mastery of these qualities that the tree of Fatherhood can bear the fruit of real societal change, it is with the mastery of these qualities that we can crop a new generation of men and women infused with unquestionable integrity and help stem the malevolent tide which today seems so inescapable.    

So as we celebrate this third Sunday of June, lets us remember to support our Fathers, let us energize them for the task that lies ahead, for as Pope John XXIII aptly said "It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father." 

Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Written by O.J.Noel

June 17th 2012