Some fathers do have 'em

There are men and there are men. But a recent study conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission confers the title of New Age Dad on the 21st century man.
The study further classifies the broad genre of ‘New Age Dad’ into the ‘Enforcer Dad’, who works long hours and sets up boundaries of discipline within the domestic set-up; the ‘Entertainer Dad’, who enjoys getting the kids to laugh while the mother is busy with other chores; the ‘Useful Dad’, who is ‘there’ while the mother is really the team leader; and the ‘Involved Dad’, who shares responsibilities to do with child care, gets home early and attends school functions.
Jindal Steel & Power MD Naveen Jindal, the father of two, categorises himself as a mix of all these categories. ‘‘I don’t get to spend as much time with my children as I want to. But, when I am in town, I attend school functions,’’ says Naveen.
Incidentally, the study reveals that the least number of dads come under the ‘enforcer’ category. Most dads covered by the study, in turn, affirm that while they attach significance to the workplace, they would love to spend more time with their kids. ‘‘The entire idea is based on the concept of the ‘parental fit’ — which is basically the chemistry between the parent and the child,’’ analyses psychiatrist Samir Parikh, MD.
Actor Rahul Dev, on his part, sees himself as being a ‘‘model’’ dad. ‘‘Not only do I pamper my five-year-old son Siddhant silly, I also ensure that he gets to spend time with his mother,’’ says Rahul, ‘‘I never say ‘no’ to him. Yet, I haven’t been able to spend as much time with him as I would ideally like to. If I have a wish, it is to turn the clock back and do everything for him,’’ he offers.
‘‘Even though the father-child relationship has been strengthened tremendously in this New Age, it can be built on further,’’ insists psychiatrist Sanjay Chugh, MD, ‘‘No dad is really complete. For instance, an Enforcer Dad can bring in discipline at home, but what about the aspect of fun?’’
The psychologist’s point of view is that what is of utmost importance is the opening up of channels of communication. As Parikh puts it, ‘‘The most successful dad is the one who tenders advice on problems and is open to fun.’’ Simply put, playing New Age Dad isn’t child’s play for sure!
sanghitasingh@indiatimes.com