Many children may sometimes suffer due to a lack of parental guidance, in particular the indirect kind of guidance. What do we mean by that? Well, consider that your child is very important to you and your family. Most parents want their child to grow up, have a good life, integrate in society and make the most of things.

However, many child psychologists often point out that the pivotal periods in a child's development are when they are at their youngest, as opposed to not just when they are teenagers. You could almost argue that bringing up a child requires a 25 year plan. Not just in terms of financing (as that will be a factor), but rather raising the child from new born baby, to toddler, to primary school up through secondary and on to university.

It may sound daunting, but to most of us here today, that is just one example of the many 'routes' we might take. For a child at the age of around 4 years old, good behaviour, manners and social integration around this age group is really important. As it has been proved in numerous research studies that at this period, if a child has been allowed to grow up with minimal parental input, that child may turn out to be more selfish, more stubborn and less likely to socially engage with peers.

Should parents be concerned? Of course, parents want the best for their children, that goes without saying. Putting time and effort in to being a father is something that men should do. It is not something you will be paid for, or get bonus points for, it is something you effectively enter in to when you decide to have a child. It comes with the territory as they say and has a lot of responsibility.

Fathers should not think just because their wife is at home looking after the child, their parental duties are over. Far from it. Fathers have a vital role to play, not just in the social up bringing of a child, but its wider welfare, knowledge, compassion and understanding.

Fathers should embrace their role as parental pioneers. Take the responsibility on fully and make sure that at each key step of a child's life and development, you as a parent have sat down and thought about how you are going to help your child progress. It is not always easy, there may be problems along the way. But providing you take time, make effort and plan for the future, you are making a very good start to ensuring that child's future well being.

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