Everyone says a child needs a father as well as a mother.
And yes, that is true, but it is not that simple. Because a child doesn’t just need a man who is part of their DNA. They need a father who is present, who supports them, who protects them, who takes responsibility, who raises them with love, and who puts his child’s well-being above his own selfishness.

A child needs a secure father. A father who never lets the child question whether he or she is wanted, loved, or safe in his or her own home.
A father who does not control his or her child through fear, pressure, or intimidation. A father who is not a source of chaos, but a pillar of safety and stability.

A child needs a sensitive and protective father.
Children need not just money but also time, attention, experience, guidance, patience, love and discipline. A father who invests in their development, participates in school programs, teaches important life skills, and is present not just physically, but also in heart and mind.

A child needs a father who is always there, not someone who comes and goes as per his convenience, who showers love on festivals but is careless throughout the year. A child needs a father who is reliable, stable and constantly present, not someone who makes the child fear every day whether he will be angry or happy, whether he will be happy or angry, or not, depending on his mood. Because stability builds trust, and trust builds emotional security. And the truth is that a child needs a father who understands that his family is more important than his childish habits.

A father who leaves behind irresponsible living, parties, addiction and carelessness and chooses to be a father wholeheartedly, who puts his children above his ego, prioritises his family over stupid things, and values his home more than the streets. Because the truth is,

just because a man is a biological father, it does not mean that he is a safe or healthy father.  And sometimes, the greatest love a mother can show is when she protects her child, even from his own father.A father’s first responsibility is his child’s safety and mental health.Sometimes that means distancing himself from toxic relatives.Sometimes that means setting boundaries with those who bring harm, confusion, instability, or neglect.
Whether that’s a parent, a grandparent, or someone else.Because love doesn’t mean access.And blood ties don’t give anyone the right to influence.Ultimately, every child deserves a safe environment.Where love is genuine, not manipulative.Where discipline is nurturing, not coercive.Where presence is constant, not arbitrary.  Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where he or she finds healthy examples of love, respect, accountability, and safety. And if a father isn’t willing to provide those, a mother has every right to set clear boundaries. Because even though a child needs his or her dad, he or she doesn’t need to be trapped in poison, pain, or old toxic cycles just for the sake of having a “family.”