Let us not neglect the vital role of fathers in our society

This letter was sent to The Straits Times Forum on 21 June but was not published. 

Every child is a masterpiece of their parents (“Liondads: Chinese father raising mixed-race adopted son, diaspora dad and stepdaddywith teen sons; 20 June).

Dads can be restored to their roles as family heroes: authoritative yet supportive, protective yet loving, always leading the family with humility.

It starts with every dad believing that his worth does not commensurate with the prestige of his job or the salary he commands.

There is an anonymous saying, “A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”

All the riches of this world cannot buy family love.

If family is a life priority, how can we strike a balance between family and career aspirations?

Ultimately a career aspiration has to take a second place. No one would remember a worker. But every child would remember a dad who plays with him, a mum who nurtures him.

Strong families form the backbone of a nation.

We have long neglected the vital role of fathers in our society.

We encourage fathers to be hands-on when children are born but we do not involve fathers when a child is deemed “unwanted” in the womb.

When a mother goes for an abortion, we do not promote the value of the family (“Made For Families brand mark aims to assure familiesof government and community support”; 20 June).

A child automatically carries the brand mark: Made For Families.

Let us make Singapore safe for every child.