Fatherhood ought to be emphasized as much as motherhood. The idea that women are solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads to the idea that they are also responsible for bringing the children up.
Fatherhood and motherhood both influence the overall character-building and personality development of a child, and both have a fair share in child rearing and bringing a child up. The idea that women are solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies isn’t entirely true for all societies. In countries like the US, and Canada women do have the liberty to have babies or not but in many other countries, the choice to have babies is mostly related to socioeconomic and cultural and family pressures. Both mother and father are two wheels of the same cart and have their due role in a child’s birth, nourishment, education, and overall upbringing. The idea that women are responsible for bringing the baby up because she brought the baby by choice is irksome and unacceptable for so many reasons.
For instance, both parents are amenable to deciding whether to have babies or not. It is in no way the sole decision of a biological mother at all. On one hand, mothers share an irreplaceable strong bond with their children and perform child rearing and caressing with love and affection. On the other hand, the father’s unwavering dedication to meeting the financial needs of the family is a true testament to his commitment, unconditional love, and determination to provide a stable and nurturing environment for children. Doubtlessly, the responsibilities of a father are neverending. Fathers instill confidence, offer guidance, and impart valuable insights into their children paving the way for their children’s future success.
In the context of more equal parenthood by both fathers and mothers, some countries like Sweden grant paternal leaves so that fathers too can spend quality time with the children and play their part in overall child rearing and development. In Sweden, parents are entitled to 480 days of paid paternal leave once a child is born or adopted. Apart from that the country facilitates new parents with reduced working hours and provides facilities like high quality and affordable childcare. Besides, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, Denmark, Canada, Australia, Hungary, and New Zealand are the countries that allow paternal leaves and have adopted family-friendly policies.
In short, mothers alone can’t be held responsible for bringing up their children. From child’s birth to bringing up, from teaching cultural, religious, and moral values to confidence building in the children; responsibility lies on both parents father and mother.
