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Parenting may be a team sport but that definitely doesn’t mean that Mums and Dads have a common approach to the game.
That’s not to say that all men are the same or that all women have a singular approach to rearing a child. Still, if you take a generalised view of their respective parenting styles, a few distinct differences start to emerge.
There are always exceptions to the rules, but most would admit spotting these trends among the parental types in their lives.
Quality time
Mothers tend to be more concerned with ensuring that their child is getting stimulated at all times, whether that involves outdoor activity or time on that educational spelling game that was recommended by the child development specialist. Fathers, on the other hand, tend to take a more organic approach to stimulation. You’d be amazed what you can pick up while watching TV on the couch, staring at a wind chime or learning how to burp on cue.
Dressing the kids
Mothers are generally more fastidious in the way they dress their little darlings for the big bad world. Things like colour coordination and matching shoes matter. For the majority of fathers, they’re just happy if their child is wearing clothes. If they manage to avoid putting the boy in his sister’s dress, that’s considered bonus territory. On the other hand, if denied the opportunity to dress their little darling for a few days, fathers have been known to crack out the princess dress for a trip to the supermarket.
Game playing
We all know that playing is a vital part of a child’s mental and physical growth. Still, there can be clear divide in the way that Mums and Dads approach it. While mothers like to plan and facilitate a stimulating play time, fathers are more likely to wing it, plough ahead and end up enjoying the fort-building exploits more than the kids.
Taking family pictures
If you see a friend’s child on Facebook doing something impossibly cute or endearing in a photo, the chances are that their mother posted it. Fathers tend to be more interested in capturing a nose-picking episode, using their child to replicate a popular meme, or taking a compromising photograph that they can use to embarrass them at their 18th birthday party.
Doing their hair
Irish mothers know all kinds of hair tricks. They have multiple plaits and braids and other sneaky tricks up their sleeve. The average father isn’t quite as clued in when it comes to hairstyling. He’ll have a mild panic attack if his daughter asks for a French braid, tie a knot in her ponytail, and hope she doesn’t notice. There is more chance of getting away with this if she is wearing a princess dress.
SMA® Nutrition have a 24/7 free SMA Careline® to support Dads and Mums. They understand Dads as well as Mums to give help and support 24/7. Call 1800 931832 or check out their website.
Advertorial feature brought to you by SMA Careline®.
ZRI437/06/17
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