How to be a good dad in 2016

It's 2016 and fatherhood is in flux. As traditional notions of gender, family units and masculinity break down, the idea of fatherhood changes too. But what really matters as a dad is pioneering your own kind of parenting. Here are some pointers.

Integrate life and work like women have

As parenting becomes an even playing field, it's necessary to take dads seriously as parents and caregivers. The biggest impediment to men embracing this role is other men. Because there are still perceptions among men, they get access to paternity leave in record amounts, but are still not taking it. So, have it become associated with the normal course of business and something that every man should do.

Don't subscribe to gender roles

Millennial couples know the importance of playing to your strengths and doing whatever you can to make things work. If the woman can make more money, or if the dad's better off taking care of kids, it doesn't matter what gender you are as long as you get what needs to be done, done.

Teach your kids to have empathy for people

Raise gentlemen in this vicious culture that is now predominant. Make them recognise that when someone disagrees with you, it might not be from a malicious viewpoint — there's the whole idea of heroes and villains that doesn't really work. If you can teach your children about nuance, you are raising men, not boys.

Being overly protective doesn't show much faith

The idea of a dad constantly guarding his daughter and monitoring all her friendships doesn't say much about his faith in her to conduct her own business. Also, it's not healthy to assume that every boy in her life is a predator. It's just as wrong to project predatory instincts on a boy as it is to project promiscuity on a girl.

It's important to set an example

Children learn a lot more from example than from lecturing. They have to see what their father is doing and that's how they learn. It's imperative that you walk the talk.

Single dads must build a structure

In case you are now a single parent due to circumstances, you have to first tell them what's going to happen and make sure it happens. Then they will build up a faith in the new structure, realise there's a floor beneath their feet, and they'll be fine.