Elementary school can be the toughest time of a child’s life. Bullies, show and tell, snack time and even playtime can be challenging for children. Independence is now the name of the game but there can be no ends to the number of times your child will come running to you for support. The kids are discovering self and may either become totally independent of you or more dependent. Dad, what will you do? Here is what I suggest- be ready to give some firm advice and live up to them.
You may think the days of mimicking are over but to these 6 and 7 year olds, you are king. When your child gets in trouble at school whether by a bully or just talking out of turn, he will turn to dad for guidance. Boys and girls alike look to their fathers for advice in certain situations. Yes, mommies do their part but as they are already accustomed to dad being the disciplinarian, your role gets harder. So your child will watch and listen to how you handle problems of your own and emulate that. Be prepared for this.
The father in a home is still considered the breadwinner. Teachers are not yet at the stage where a “stay-at-home” dad is taught to children. When the teacher introduces professions at school to 6 and 7 year olds, they will tell them that a man’s job is to go out and provide for their families. They will differentiate between what mommy does and what dad does. It is up to the father to be strong and positively reinforce what is taught in school without confusing the children even if it is contrary to what goes on in your home. Do not leave it only up to mommy.
When dads are active in a child’s life, the child is proud. If you can turn up at your child’s parent-teacher conference or to show and tell you will be a big winner. Kids this age are proud to show off their dads. As it is natural that mommies are around, an active dad plays a more significant role. Children like to put their dads on display especially if he wears a uniform to work.
Home work and projects are a big part of an elementary child’s life. They are just learning how to organize their time and to be creative. They will need your help in building and designing stuff. Even if you do not live with the child, be willing to stop by and help with this project. They will be of the opinion that only dads can do some things and so you must be there to prove this to be so or not.
This is a stage where kids need to know that dad still remembers what being a child is like. They still want you to play with them after school, take them for rides in the park and swim with them in the pool. They have not yet discovered that they don’t need you. They will try to do some things for themselves but when the need arise be there to fill the gap that will no doubt be created.
