Dad's in the area are like going to be heaped with love and praise and lots of gifts this Fathers' Day. But, that's likely not the case year-round, according to a new survey from the University of Michigan.
That study finds about half of American dads say they regularly get criticized about their parenting styles.
Topping the list of no-no's is the way dads enforce discipline. But, Jenny Evans, Parent Educator at the Parenting Center of Children's Hospital in New Orleans, says fathers may feel forced into their actions.
"If we go into our family life with this 'wait 'til your dad gets home' mentality, then maybe that's more the role that we put dads in than the one that they wish to play."
She says mom and dad should come to an agreement about how to handle different situations. "inconsistency between parents in responding to a child's behavior can send mixed messages to the child, and result in conflict and criticism between parents.
But, different parenting styles aren't necessarily a bad thing.
"Having some consistency in the household is great, Evans says. "But, do mom and dad have to parent exactly the same way? Not necessarily. As long as they can provide a consistency of environment."
Despite disagreements, differing discipline styles are not something parents should dispute in the kids' presence. Evans says it's important for children to see their parents supportive of each other. That, she says provides the kids with a comfortable, secure environment.
"As long as it's appropriate and nurturing, then the other parent should not cross them in front of the children, because that makes them feel like their environment is not safe."
Next on the list of things dads get criticized for is the kinds of food men gave their kids, followed by lack of attention to the children. Also making the list...being too rough in their dad-child playtime together. Other issues raised had to do with how a dad's parenting style impacted a child's sleep habits, safety or overall appearance.
Obviously, not everybody thinks father knows best. According to the study, the criticism comes from the dad's family, his spouse and the spouse's family.
