When people debate the importance of familial roles, the conversation always narrows down to mothers or fathers?
Discussions about traditional family dynamics—during family arguments, on podcasts or in political debates—often ended up heated.
Nonprofit organizations that promote parenting education, such as the National Parents Association, have conducted extensive research on the scientific and social factors that shape modern views on the subject.
Donald C. Hubin, a board chairman of the NPA, published an article on whether fathers are more replaceable than mothers and how court laws contribute to father absence.
Hubin concludes, “…fathers and mothers are equally important to their children.”
Intellectuals like Jordan B. Peterson and Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka openly discuss the importance mothers and fathers play in a child’s development.
Chukwuemeka, a Nigerian law student and founder of the blog Bscholarly.com, believes parents shape personality, perception and life decisions. He suggests that children often choose the mother over the father because they are typically more engaged in their everyday life which allows them to build a deeper connection.
Peterson, a Canadian psychologist with traditionalist views who has gained popularity on social platforms, argues for shared responsibility and against set gender roles.
I have concluded that both are equally important.
Traditional values form the foundation of the family structure–the mother as the graceful nurturer of the family and the father as the firm one, the provider and protector.
But what happens when none of the parents fulfill their role?
I was raised by neither. My grandmother assumed both roles in my life. She fed me, gave me shelter, took me to church every Sunday and taught me to develop character.
I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than words. My grandmother lived by that example.
Despite the many times I doubted my self-worth and longed for what other kids have, she made it clear I could succeed—with or without the traditional family model.
Psalm 27:10—When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up—has always reminded me that my grandmother was heavenly sent.
She could not replace my mother’s love or guide me in a way a father might but her love was unconditional.
Many people find a father or mother figure in a brother, a grandparent or even a loved one not tied by blood. What matters most is that someone is there for you.
