Being a parent is a responsibility that requires a constant balance between care and authority. While mothers are usually more intuitive about their child’s needs and more able to adapt to their rules, fathers often find it difficult to accept the principles by which their children live and develop.
One of the main reasons for this phenomenon may be due to the fact that fathers usually take a more assertive role in the family. They are often associated with security and protection, as well as with discipline and following rules. So when a child makes his own rules or expresses his independence, fathers may feel a sense of loss of control. They are afraid that they will lose their authority and influence over the child.
Moreover, fathers may be irritated by rules that, in their opinion, have no objective necessity or are not based on logic. They tend to see “meaning” in the actions and rules that they come up with, rather than in those that follow from the natural course of a child’s development.
However, despite all these difficulties, fathers must understand that this is a natural part of the process of growing up and the child’s desire for independence. The child must be given the opportunity to express his or her individuality and have experiences to develop their own personality. It is important that the father finds a balance between rules and freedom, support and authority, in order to help the child become an independent and successful person.
Causes of difficulty for fathers
1. Gender stereotypes
One of the main reasons why fathers find it difficult to make rules is because of gender stereotypes in society. The father may be influenced by public opinion, according to which it is not proper for a man to take care of raising and establishing rules for children. This prejudice can create internal conflict in the father and make it difficult for him to accept rules that contradict his idea of masculinity.
2. Concerns about social status
Some fathers may have concerns about their social status when it comes to accepting the rules set for their children. They may worry about how their friends, colleagues or family will perceive them if they agree to rules that may seem foreign or even “softening” to a man. This preoccupation with social status can make it difficult for a father to accept rules, especially if they are blatantly different from the ones he grew up with.
| Cause | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Gender stereotypes | Internal conflict |
| Concerns about social status | Preoccupation with perception |
In general, accepting the rules by which children live can be difficult for fathers for a variety of reasons, including gender stereotypes and concerns about their social status. It is important to remember that every father is unique and may face his own challenges and, above all, find ways to overcome these obstacles for the well-being and development of his children.
Generational differences
Past generations are usually considered traditionalists who adhere to old rules and customs. They grew up in a different time, when values and ideals were different. And therefore, it may be difficult for them to understand and accept the new rules that have become relevant for modern children.
The current generation of young people, on the other hand, grew up in an era of information technology and rapidly changing values. They perceive the world differently than their parents: they are more open to new ideas, think more globally, and are more free to express their feelings and emotions.
Generation Conflict
Because of this difference in views and values, conflict can arise between generations. Parents of the older generation may believe that their children live incorrectly or do not take life seriously. They may be more concerned about safety and want their children to adhere to the same rules and values as themselves.
For the parents of the younger generation, they themselves are a product of a new era, and their values and ideals differ from those of their parents. Their children, in turn, want independence, freedom and the opportunity to determine their own rules.
Finding a compromise
Some differences between generations are inevitable and natural. However, to keep conflict to a minimum, it is important for fathers and children to find a compromise. Mutual understanding, respect and communication are key components to resolving disagreements.
Fathers should remember that time does not stand still, and that children grow up in different circumstances and conditions than themselves. Parents must be willing to adapt to changing times and try to understand their children’s motivations and needs.
In turn, children should respect the experience and wisdom of their parents and openly discuss their ideas and opinions with them.
- Together they can find common interests and values, and build a healthy relationship where each party feels respected and heard.