Accept and appreciate that men parent differently
By Sandra Beckwith

Don’t be frustrated because your husband doesn’t parent the same way you do - learn why his differences are good for the children. Here are just some of the differences:

• Fathers use physical contact to excite a child; mothers use it to comfort and provide security. Dad tickles or wrestles; Mom hugs.
• When playing, fathers direct the activity, acting as a teacher with the child as an apprentice. Mothers play at the child's level, side-by-side, allowing the child to be in charge and run the show. Fathers’ play also encourages children to experiment, learn new skills and push against their limits.
• Fathers discipline with inflexible rules; mothers discipline according to the moment, adjusting to the child’s mood.
• Fathers communicate by teaching. Conversations between fathers and children are short and occur side-by-side, rather than face-to-face. Mothers communicate more emotionally, sharing feelings and enjoying long conversations.
• A mother’s love is unconditional; a father’s is tied to performance.
• Mothers worry about a newborn's survival, fathers about the child’s future success.

Your children appreciate and need his different style. Learn to sit back and enjoy the help.