A father is the male parent of a child. Parents (father and mother) are essential in bringing up a child, however, fathers role will be discussed in this article. Besides the paternal bonds of a father to his children, the father also has a parental, legal and social relationship with the child that carries rights and obligations in the upbringing of a child.
The father is the head, ruler, provider, protector, leader, teacher, helper, encourager, advisor, role model and friend to the child.
Fathers play an important role in the upbringing of a child by being the pillars in the development of a child’s emotional and physical well-being.
Children look to their fathers to lay down the rules and enforce them, children also look to their fathers to provide a feeling of security both physical and emotional. Fathers are motivator to their children and as a father, you are at times a helper, a coach and a friend to the children.
Every child loves positive fatherly encouragement. Again, father plays a significant role to the child through paying of bills, seeking proper education for the child and ensuring good health, instilling values and beliefs in children, and teaching them right from wrong.
Additionally, the role of father originated with God Himself, our Heavenly Father, and is a divine role and calling. Becoming a father, stepfather, grandfather or foster father is an opportunity to become like God, to love and care for children as God loves and cares for us. Biblically, God created man in his own image.
This clearly symbolizes God Almighty instilling the spiritual power and support for (man) father in upbringing of a child to become good adult and proper relationship between man and God.
These notwithstanding, in the Bible, fathers are given an important role in the upbringing of a child. The book of Proverbs, for example, contains many verses that speak to the importance of a father’s role in teaching, disciplining, and guiding his children. One such verse is Proverbs 22:6, which states, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching children from a young age, and the role that fathers have in instilling values and beliefs in their children.
In Ephesians 6:4, fathers are instructed to “not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ”This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline, but also the importance of doing so in a way that is not harmful or abusive.
In addition to teaching and discipline, fathers in the Bible are also called to be examples of love and compassion.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, love is described as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude, not insisting on its own way, not irritable or resentful, and not rejoicing in wrongdoing, but rejoicing in the truth. Fathers are called to model this kind of love to their children.
Overall, the biblical role of fathers in the upbringing of a child is one of teaching, discipline, guidance, and love. It is a role that requires patience, compassion, and a commitment to instilling values and beliefs that will guide children throughout their lives.
Moreover, a person who donates time, money, experience, skill or talent to help create a better world is a philanthropist. Anyone can be a philanthropist regardless of status or worth.
However, male philanthropist who plays parental role on the street and orphanage home in the globe as a whole like Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samed Rabiu, Patrice Motsepe, Bill Gates, Mike Bloomberg, Warren Buffett and many more are few examples of philanthropist who gives money, helps needy people in the way or support charitable causes such as anti-poverty initiative, humanitarian aid and others in the development of the child to ensure quality life if the child.
Also the role of a father on street children can be very important. The neglected children who grow up on the street often lack the guidance and support that a parent or caregiver would provide. This can lead to various negative outcomes such as substance abuse, violence, and involvement in criminal activities.
A father can provide emotional support, guidance, and a positive male role model for street children. They can also provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Additionally, a father can help children develop life skills and provide educational opportunities.
However, it is important to note that street children often have complex needs that cannot be fully addressed by a single individual. It is important for organizations and communities to work together to provide comprehensive support for street children, including access to education, healthcare, and social services.
In conclusion, the role of fathers in the upbringing of a child is multifaceted and includes teaching, discipline, guidance, and love. Fathers are called to instill values and beliefs in their children, be positive role models, and provide emotional support and basic needs.
The biblical perspective emphasizes the importance of fathers in teaching and disciplining their children, as well as modeling love and compassion. Ultimately, the role of fathers in the upbringing of a child is to help them develop into responsible, caring, and well-rounded individuals.
Asamoah Solomon
Ghana Immigration Service
Dambai-Oti Region
