* This post was originally a guest blog post on www.mycyberguardian.com. This is a non-profit organization my husband and I started to help combat peer victimization among our youth. We address issues about bullying, cyberbullying, and teen dating violence while encouraging youth to be upstanding digital citizens using technology.
Check it out for more info!
Did you know the father role has a significant impact on whether or not your child may engage in bullying behavior? According to a study by Andre Christie-Mizell from Vanderbilt University, “it was when fathers worked full time or overtime and children perceived that they did not spend enough time with their fathers that bullying behavior increased.” In this study, a mother’s work schedule had no impact on whether or not a child bullied peers. Most assume and believe that a mother has the majority of the impact on a child, but this study proves differently.
So fathers- it’s time to invest in your children. Here are some easy suggestions:
• Spend more quality time with them
• Wrestle in a playful way
• Sit down and connect with your kids
• Ask them about their favorite part of their day and share
yours
• Have them teach you something new
• Start a new activity, sport, or hobby together
• Send them texts or call them throughout the day saying you
hope their day is going well
• Get to know them, what they like, think, and dream about
• Be their friend on facebook- you might see a whole new side
of them
Both parents’ roles are vital to a child having an emotionally healthy life, but fathers need to hear the call to action. They NEED you! I challenge you to slow your busy schedules and invest 15 minutes daily in your child’s life. It will make a difference!
Written by Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC
Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW is a licensed therapist at Imagine Hope Counseling Group. Teri enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, couples and relationship counseling. Teri also does family counseling, child counseling, and adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area, including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield.
