KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Changes in today's lifestyle landscape require fathers to play a greater role in communication, emotional support and their children's education.
National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Family Well-being Division director Rosmonaliza Abdul Ghani said a father's role is no longer limited to being the family's breadwinner, but also includes serving as an agent of change in building harmonious and resilient families.
"Effective communication within the family is essential to ensure that fathers remain relevant in nurturing and raising their children.
"If fathers were once seen primarily as providers, they are now also agents of change and key figures in shaping strong family institutions," she said in the KASIH Lensa Keluarga podcast titled Sehebat Kasih Bapa, which also featured Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan founder and chief activist Abbe Hae.
Rosmonaliza said more men are now becoming increasingly open to seeking professional help and attending counselling sessions with their spouses and children.
According to her, LPPKN offers various support programmes, including counselling, therapy and personality assessments, to help fathers facing financial pressures, mental health issues and other life challenges.
"At LPPKN, we always provide a safe space for them to share their concerns because we do not want fathers to feel alone in facing life's challenges," she said.
She said the number of men seeking counselling services has also increased, including those attending family counselling sessions with their children.
Meanwhile, Abbe said that, based on his experience working with the urban poor and street children, many social problems stem from the absence of an active father figure within the family.
He said drug abuse among heads of households and poverty were among the factors contributing to the breakdown of family institutions and the emergence of various social issues.
As such, he said efforts to reach out to fathers facing difficulties should be carried out with wisdom and compassion rather than through punitive approaches.
"When dealing with someone who has a strong ego, we need to approach them with compassion. Approaches rooted in religious values and family principles can also help individuals reclaim their role as responsible heads of households," he said.
At the same time, Rosmonaliza said support from spouses and children is crucial in helping fathers cope with life's pressures and preventing them from suppressing their problems on their own.
"Children should not wait until it is too late to appreciate a father's sacrifices, while fathers should spend quality time with their families because their presence means more to their children than material possessions," she said.
-- BERNAMA
