Custody battles can be frightening for children, but it’s also the same for both parents. It can be a terrible feeling for them to create this sudden change in their kids’ lives. But in the long run, divorce can prove to be more beneficial, especially when approached and dealt with carefully.
It’s commonly accepted by most of society that mothers should have custody of their children. Even with their rights, however many fathers don’t try to assert themselves during custody battles. If you’re a father trying to win a custody battle, family lawyers Melbourne can help you out. Getting legal assistance to protect father’s rights isn’t just beneficial for the father, but even more for the children.
Here are the main reasons why a father’s rights are essential:
- Fathers are protectors
Divorce can be traumatic for children. A lot of kids from broken homes might need therapy to deal with the situation. Additionally, having no father around can be challenging to adjust to.
Fathers are traditionally seen as the protector of a family. Hence, most children feel safer if they have their father around. This sense of safety is necessary for children to grow up without any fears and worries.
- Children can explore the world
Fathers rights are necessary as they help children feel strengthened. Because children feel safe, they can also be fearless enough to explore the world, make mistakes, and find out more about their environment. They’re also less likely to feel afraid of new situations and challenges. With both parents’ guidance and protection, children can feel that they have the support they need.
- Fathers are disciplinarians
When it comes to raising children, it’s crucial to achieve that balance of sternness and gentleness. When it comes to discipline, children need to understand and respect specific rules. However, if you’re too stern, they can feel afraid. If you’re too gentle, it can be perceived as permissiveness.
It may be difficult for a single parent to achieve this delicate balance, so children need another parent around. Each parent can have different disciplinary methods, but the bottom line should be for the child’s benefit.
- Fathers are confidants
But fathers aren’t just there for security and discipline; children also trust them. There are specific topics that children want to talk about with their fathers. They want to express themselves and tell stories to their fathers and seek their advice or opinions. And, understandably, children want to feel supported and understood by both parents.
- Fathers help their child’s development
Based on the American Psychological Association, children get higher marks on intelligence tests if they have a father in their life. It’s also worth noting that kids are more likely to do well in school and stay in school. They’re also more likely not to be involved in juvenile delinquency or crime.
- Children feel more confident
Another important thing about having a father around is that they can feel more confident. This is also because they have a trusted confidant, protector, and support system. Kids can trust themselves more and be unafraid of failure because they can depend on their parents for unconditional love.
- Children can deal with stressful situations better
During stressful situations, some kids can feel pressured and even anxious. A father’s presence is vital for kids to learn how to handle aggravating circumstances calmly. Children tend to observe how parents take on all kinds of situations differently. Having both parents can help them see different ways they can deal with all sorts of scenarios.
- Children can resist peer pressure
As confidants, fathers are listening ears to all their children’s plights and complaints. Having their children trust them to talk about school and friends is extremely valuable. Fathers can also talk about their values and thoughts on their child’s situation and their past experiences. When faced with peer pressure, children can talk about it with their parents, feel understood, and get wisdom on how to approach it.
- Fathers can help provide different perspectives
As mentioned above, having a father around can help a child’s perspective. They’re not only receptive to one parent’s ideals, thoughts, and reality. Their father’s similar or conflicting views play an equal role, too. With these different perspectives, children can develop reasoning skills independently and eventually develop their ways of thinking.
- A child’s primary male role model is their father
It’s crucial to remember that children form their views on men around their father. Young boys learn how a proper man should act from their dads. Girls also learn how men should properly treat women too. Without a father figure, it’s easy for kids to feel lost and get the wrong idea of how a good man behaves.
Conclusion
There are different kinds of custody and visitation agreements. But the main consideration is the welfare of the children. The main reason why a father’s custody rights are important is simple. Children need their father, even after a divorce. For children to grow up and develop with confidence, rational thinking, and good values, they need to rely on both parents.