Men & Home

By Super Admin

Blessed is the man that can attentively and patiently listen when he gets home, to crying children, and an exhausted and frustrated wife. Then be able with a smile, to offer comforting and soothing words.

Written by Rev. Joseph C. Miller, 1997

Family roles continue to change, especially in today's over-scheduled, stressful environment. The male dominating ambience at home was a natural scene for centuries. The family structure in which man was the financial supporter and woman was the caregiver has become, to a large extent, a myth. On the domestic front, while women have taken on an increasing role in providing income to their families, men have not taken up their share of responsibility in the family life. However recent studies prove that men also have initiated to play changed roles at home.

Men were the directors and managers of household activities for a long time. Neverthless the changes in the management skills seemed to change men's attitudes in the household affairs too. Today's man incorporates the ideas and suggestions of their female counterparts in household decisions for a better change. They do not find the kitchen as woman's world alone. They don't loathe washing or cleaning as woman's business alone. Those men who possess the old ideas with them are far outdated in the society and face serious dilemmas in their domestic life.

Man enacts an essential role during the childbirth, which is the most happy and major incident that can happen in a family. Man's role in childbirth is becoming more involved than it has been in the past. More and more women want their husbands to give active assistance during pregnancy and childbirth. Many men join classes to help their partners prepare for childbirth. They also give moral support during childbirth by simply being present during their wife's labor. However men are advised not to enter the labor room if they are fearful or anxious. The fear will be transmitted to his partner and this increases her adrenaline levels leading to labor stalling.

Men's changed role as father in the family varies all across the world. Today's man has a close relationship with his children than what his father had with him. A research from U.S.Department of Education Study indicates that the role of fathers in school and childcare promotes the achievement of their children. Men do not shy away from teaching their children societal norms, gender equality and responsible sexual relations while actively involving himself in family affairs. Thus man's active assistance in childbirth and childcare poses a great challenge to traditional notions of fatherhood held by both men and women.

Man's support in domestic activities considerably reduces the violence against women. However it must be taken into consideration that men's participation in family affairs is not complete till date. The underlining fact is that most men want to do their part well with raising children to become successful adults and any extra help, guidance, support and reinforcement for their families. And, the best part is that children benefit through happier families where dads and moms are involved productively in their lives.

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