A father’s discovery
Engagement in a UNICEF-supported parenting education session deepens a father’s understanding and appreciation for his own crucial role in his children’s development
Kavre, Nepal: “I used to think that parenting was something that mothers take on… now I understand the important role that fathers play as well.”
For Tara Lama, this was the biggest eye-opener during his time at a parenting education session, as part of an initiative developed by the Government of Nepal with support from UNICEF.
The father of three from Kavre District in central Nepal says that for much of his life, all that he knew about parenting had come from what he had seen and heard in his own family and community, practices and beliefs passed down from generations. Among these was the idea that fathers did not play an active role in childrearing because the responsibility was largely that of mothers. It wasn’t until he took part in the parenting education session that Tara’s beliefs began to shift.
“In the session, we were encouraged to look into these longstanding practices in parenting and try to see how they were impacting our children’s development,” he says.
Tara came to understand that fathers and other male caregivers needed to be more involved in understanding and supporting children’s interests so that they can freely unlock their potential.
Fathers, he learned, played a big part in children’s overall development: in helping them improve language and communication skills, fostering positive peer relationships, nurturing a sense of self-esteem in their little ones, demonstrating positive behaviors such as respect, empathy and responsibility, as well contributing to a child's sense of stability and security by setting boundaries and enforcing consistent positive discipline.
Much to his great delight, Tara found that the more he applied what he had learned during the session to his own interactions with his children, the deeper he felt their bond becoming.
The dynamic between father and children was much more positive and loving, he discovered, when he put his children’s interests at the fore.
“Simple things like taking the time to learn what food or toys they like, and trying to be present and mindful of their feelings and wishes – even these simple shifts made a difference,”
Tara says. “It gave me a whole new perspective on what parenthood means.”
