Dads
Photo stories of dads from different backgrounds sharing their experiences of inspiring fatherhood
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Builders, rescuers, athletes, musicians, educators, doctors. And when they come home – just dads.
They are very different dads, and similar at the same time. Sometimes empowering with statements like "you can do it, I believe in you", and sometimes expressing their feelings and support without words as if they whisper, "I'm here for you." With unconditional protection for children: from a school bully or an imaginary monster under the bed. And most importantly dads that have a great desire to share the most important gift: their time and attention to children.
Father’s engagement in children’s upbringing is critical as they have a profound influence on children. Values, beliefs, emotional and social development of boys and girls are strongly associated with fatherhood. Children learn to better manage their emotions, stay mentally fit and be more open if their fathers are actively involved in their upbringing, education and social life.
We have collected inspiring photos and stories of dads from Belarus that will encourage parents to play an integral role in children's lives.
Dad and daughters
Dad: Alexander Pravdin, editor of Belarusian Capital TV Directorate
When Katya was born, Tatyana was awarded the “Mother” medal. "And what about our dad?" - the other girls were perplexed. Alexander has five daughters. Four of them - Dasha, Arina, Polina and Masha - decided to restore the balance: they gifted the dad their own medal. The metal medal “To the coolest dad” meant gold for Alexander.
Alexander is very calm and reserved. One doesn’t need reminders about his parental merits and “medals”. They are all visible in the way he treats his children. It’s how little Katya asks to stay in dad’s arms; in the way Polina, running by, casually kisses his cheek; in the way Masha looks at dad when he helps to put roller skates on; in the way Dasha rushes to talk with him about something extremely important.
– Alexander, what is the most important reward for having 5 daughters?
– It’s Father’s Day.
– What about the main challenge?
– March 8 – Girl’s and Women’s Day😀.
“When there is only one child in the family, it is hard. When there are two children, it is little bit easier. Three children are easier than two. But when there are four children, it is more difficult than with one. And having five is a completely different universe, – Alexander laughs.
On a serious note, together we need to solve many family issues, especially when it comes to domestic chores. The dishwasher runs at least once a day. Laundry – twice a day. My spouse takes a lot of responsibilities while I am at work.
It is always interesting with children. We get to experience new joys and discoveries every day. For example, our youngest daughter Katya who has learned to stand on one leg, jump, walk by the handle and enjoys flying on dad’s and mom’s arms. You cannot imitate those moments, they are magical, authentic. They are very valuable. I find the meaning of life in my children".
Team
Dad: Vasily Bolshakov, biathlon coach at the National Olympic Training Center for winter sports in Raubichi
Sasha was born in winter, and by May he was already at the training ground in Raubichi. This is because his father is the coach of the Belarus youth biathlon team, and his mother is a biathlete.
Dad greets the athletes and gives advice to them while Sasha follows him everywhere. Dad hurries to the ski-roller track, and Sasha catches up with him on a scooter. Dad looks at the results of the shooting team, and Sasha in a fun way reaches for the big binoculars.
I take children to training on weekends, and sometimes to competitions”, - says Vasily. Sasha is now 3 years old, Nastya is 14 months. I also have an older son and a daughter; they are already adults. Parenthood is perceived a little differently now. A more responsible attitude, perhaps. More love and less fuss. I also want to spend as much time together as possible.
Vasily says that for many athletes, it is a norm to continue training and remaining attentive loving parents who devote time to children.
“I witness quite often how a husband supports with taking care of a child in a stroller while his spouse has training nearby. When a child begins to cry she runs up, calms down, then returns to training practice. So is the case with us, parents are interchangeable. We do not have a clear division of roles: I can cook and braid Nastya's hair.
Fatherhood is a stimulus for development, motivation and strength in order to move on I feel. I also want to prepare high-level athletes, but at the same time I would not want to get hung up on work. It's important to keep a balance."
We express our gratitude to the Belarus Ministry of Labor and Social Protection for partnership and collaboration on the “Dads”photo project.
The photo project begins symbolically with the International Father's Day on June 18 and will end with a large-scale exhibition on the national Father's Day on October 21. About 30 dads from different regions of Belarus will take part in the exhibition.
