EDITORIAL: Dads deserve recognition

Muskogee Phoenix - 6/16/2019

Jun. 15--Many more fathers than ever before are to be commended. It was not that long ago that mothers were the sole caregivers, and many fathers didn't participate much in the care of their children.

Today, fathers are involved in all aspects of caring for their children. That means taking care of their children's health and well-being. They are involved in the medical care of their children. They feed and bathe children. They play with their children. Gone are the days when child rearing was the mother's "job."

According to the Pew Research Center, dads are much more involved in child care than they were 50 years ago. In 2016, fathers reported spending an average of eight hours a week on child care -- about triple the time they provided in 1965. And fathers put in about 10 hours a week on household chores in 2016, up from four hours in 1965. By comparison, mothers spent an average of about 14 hours a week on child care and 18 hours a week on housework in 2016.

We're not sure how things have evolved, but we're glad it did. The benefits of having a father active with the care of their children shows children how to become a successful parent. Children learn by example. They enjoy spending time with their fathers. They see that dad can prepare a meal, kiss boo-boos and make them better. They see dads doing laundry. They see them picking up kids from school and chauffeuring them to activities. They take off work to take children to doctor's appointments.

All of the things children see as they are growing up turn into lessons about what they should do to become a good parent. And there are a lot of great dads in Muskogee.

So, on Father's Day, make sure dad is appreciated. They don't get nearly the recognition that moms do on Mother's Day. But they should. Fathers of today are a new breed and should be recognized for the wonderful jobs they do.

Do something nice for Dad on Father's Day!

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