Dar es Salaam, — Tanzanian medical doctor and parenting advocate Dr. Dunstan Bishanga has urged fathers to treat parenting as an essential responsibility alongside their careers, saying meaningful engagement with children is more important than the amount of time spent together.
Speaking during a parenting discussion moderated by Empower Leaders Ministry under Dominion Leadership and Research Institute in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Bishanga said rapid economic pressures have forced many fathers to work long hours or far from their families, making it increasingly difficult to balance earning an income with raising children.
He said while employment obligations may require fathers to live away from home, maintaining an active presence in their children's lives should remain a priority.
"The most important thing is presence through quality time," Dr. Bishanga said, adding that children benefit when fathers intentionally dedicate uninterrupted time to them, even if such opportunities are limited.
According to Dr. Bishanga, fathers should understand the developmental stages of their children and the changing needs of both their children and spouses to provide effective emotional support and guidance.
He said purposeful engagement helps build children's self-confidence, self-esteem and trust, qualities that are critical to their long-term emotional and social development.
Addressing fathers who work away from their families, Dr. Bishanga said parenting should be regarded as part of their daily responsibilities rather than an activity reserved for weekends or holidays.
He encouraged fathers to schedule regular communication with their families during the week, including speaking with their children and listening to their spouses' concerns, while making the most of every opportunity for physical family interaction.
"Even three hours of meaningful time together can leave a lasting impression on a child for weeks if that time is fully focused on them," he said.
Dr. Bishanga said intentional parenting, consistent communication and emotional availability are increasingly important as changing work patterns continue to reshape family life, arguing that children need both financial support and the active involvement of their fathers to thrive.
