Hello Everyone,
I hope this week has treated you well.
Since today is Father’s Day, I would like to write about the importance of a father in relation to mental health. Firstly, I would like to dedicate this piece to my own father, Denis Vieira, who has always gone above and beyond for his family. Not only father, but we also consider him provider of the year as he spoils us with not only material things but with love, kindness and consideration. He has recently been the epitome of strength and forgiveness, something I hope to teach my own children one day.
In general, a father’s relationship with his child is very special and essential to their emotional well-being. While mothers are notoriously known as the caregivers, a father’s love is just as important to a child’s healthy development.

It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of father. Studies show that children who have good relationships with their father show higher academic performance, higher confidence and self-esteem, higher coping skills, fewer behavioural problems and are less likely to have mental health issues.

They are less likely to be addicted to alcohol and other drugs, less likely to live in poverty, go to prison and be overweight. They are however, more likely to be independent. We all know how over protective most mothers can be, always focusing on our safety and well- being. It is our fathers that allow us to spread our wings and take healthy risks.

A father’s love is true and clear by the sacrifices they make. More fathers fail to take responsibility than mothers so the ones that do need to be understood and appreciated. More fathers today are sensitive and affectionate rather than just providers.

For the most part, fathers are the disciplinarians. They are protectors, teachers, financial supporters and huge role models. More fathers have been taking on caregiver roles as women today are more powerful and successful in the business world than ever. Therefore, men have a deeper role in raising children than they did even up to a decade ago.

Fathers typically show their daughters what real men should be like. Studies show that daughters tend to choose men who have similar characteristics to their father. If their father is loving and kind, they will choose loving and kind men.
If they are from an abusive household, they will tend to choose the same dysfunction in a life partner. Boys on the other hand, mostly model themselves after their father. They seek their father’s approval and tend to develop characteristics that will reflect that. Again, more often than not, loving father- loving son; abusive father, abusive son.
It is important to note that your father does not need to be married to your mother or even live with you to be an active and important role model in your life. The relationship between a man and woman is separate from the relationship with the child. This is a fact that I believe is forgotten in Guyana. If you’re a single mother reading this, don’t be hurt or discouraged about your child’s future. Remember that male mentors such as brothers, uncles or teachers can also be beneficial in their lives.
I know that it’s more difficult to express your feelings to your father than to your mother, especially young men so I have included two (I couldn’t choose!) short poems for you to share with your father. These poems remind me of my own father.
Please continue write in to caitlinvieira@gmail.com to let me know what you would like to talk about OR stop in and see me at Woodlands Hospital Outpatient Department. For issues with drugs/ alcohol – Monday’s at 4:30. General mental health issues- Wednesday’s at 4:30.
However, please note I will be out of the country from June 24th – July 10th so email me in that space to see if I can help!
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
[box type=”shadow” align=”alignleft” width=”250px” ]A Real Father
By Joanna Fuchs
It’s not so common anymore
to have a dad who’s really there,
who is the provider for his family,
who comes home every night,
whose predictability
creates a sense of stability
and security in his household.
Your routine may not seem valuable to you,
but it’s worth a lot to me.
I’m thankful that I can depend on you
to always be you–
a real father,
responsible, trustworthy,
and a great role model.
I’ve learned a lot of good things
from watching you.
Thanks, Dad.[/box]
[box type=”shadow” align=”alignright” width=”250px” ]Dad
He never looks for praises
He’s never one to boast
He just goes on quietly working

For those he loves the most
His dreams are seldom spoken
His wants are very few
And most of the time his worries
Will go unspoken too

He’s there…. a firm foundation
Through all our storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold to
When times are good or bad
One of our greatest blessings
The man that we call dad. [/box]