Sunday June 16, 2019
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox HAVING A SAY -ON FATHER’S DAY From page 4 when children are out of school. Fathers have been tasked with teaching their sons how to become good fathers, and along the way to also teach their daughters how a real man is supposed to be, and how a husband should treat a wife. Yes, fathers give out sage advice to their children from the time of birth until they are adults and even further past. Along the way fathers assist in guiding the children through the tough decisions and the life challenges. How many fathers actually and regularly tell their children that they love and treasure them? Pray tell me what holds them back from doing so? Is it cultural? Genetic? Environmental? Fear of being too un-macho? Or is it attributable to our modern day society that attaches sexual connotation to every gesture? Whatever it is
maybe it is time to reconsider rewriting this portion of gender history. A child makes connection with other humans very early. One of the very first ways is through eye contact, along with hugs and holding (human warmth). Fathers hug your child/ children; look them right in the eye and say “I love you” even before they are capable of emitting words from their lips. An essential difference that separates effective fathers from all other fathers is that they really and truly know their children. Effective fathers know what hurts and haunts their children, as well as what brings them joy and pleasure. They are aware of every aspect of their children’s personalities and labours to accentuate the positive and discourage the negative. As with any employment perfect attendance is of prime importance, and so it should be with fatherhood.
In fatherhood most of what happens without a father being aware is the loving and modeling. When you display regular presence it will be difficult to be excised from the world of your child even from a legal stance. Remember to honour the mother of your child/children, regardless of your present feelings about her. You do not need to be reminded that even though you both may not be wed, you once took her to bed. She was the vessel through which your child entered the world, so if now you treat her like a germ; it speaks volumes for the quality of your sperm. Refer to you three as a family, and behave as such so that the child can see. Do not neglect to pay child support if you want to avoid having to report to the court. Let this remain imprinted in your head – Children need to be fed. Not for one day, but every day, all
the way. Granted fatherhood is challenging and can be difficult at times but so is life. If your father was less than stellar then strive to be more. If your father was a good father then you owe it to him to deliver that to your own child. Most importantly you owe your child the best that you can give so that the world has one less screwed –up human being. Happy Father’s Day to all fathers biological or otherwise. Yvonne Sam
To gain respect is to show respect DEAR EDITOR, This Father’s Day brings: a Full Moon, a great day and is celebrated worldwide to recognize the contribution that fathers or father figures make to the lives of their children. On Father’s Day many people make a special effort for their fathers or father figures. Some people visit their fathers, while others give cards, flowers or other gifts. Father’s Day is a relatively modern holiday, so different families have different tradi-
tions. These can range from a simple phone call or greetings card.Well, I have received the best gift from my children, they are taking me to a special Father’s Day church service this morning. I urge all fathers or father figures to be proud of your elder children and the younger ones try your utmost best to care and educate them. To gain respect is to show respect. Happy Father ’s Day. Yours Respectfully, Parmanand Ram