One out of three children in the United States live in homes without their biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The repercussions of this are clear; the National Fatherhood Initiative reports that kids who grow up without their dads are more likely to live in poverty, face jail time and not finish their high school educations. Fathers play a vital role in helping their children develop intellectually, emotionally and socially.
Influence on Boys & Girls
Fathers have a profound effect on the development of both sons and daughters. They serve as the central male figure in kids' lives. Sons typically want to be like their fathers and will look to them for guidance on how to act -- if their dads treat them well. A boy who has a positive relationship with his dad is more likely to have a strong bond with his own son in the future, according to the University of New Hampshire's Ellen Rondina, MSW. Girls learn about what to expect from men based on father-daughter relationships. Women who are successful -- both professionally and personally -- are more likely to have grown up with secure and accomplished fathers, Rondina reveals.
Academic Success
Fathers play a major role in their children's learning experiences. Infants who have supportive fathers involved in their care are more likely to have better cognitive abilities and higher IQs, according to a 2006 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report. Nurturing fathers are also more likely to have kids with stronger intellect and verbal skills, as well as an ability to handle academic stress. Having an involved father is also associated with a child making higher grades throughout his school career, a 2001 U.S. Department of Education study found.
Psychosocial Development
Fostering psychological and social development is critical to raising kids -- and dads can have a significant impact on that development. University of Maryland researchers released findings in May 2000 revealing that kids with supportive fathers or father figures are less likely to be depressed compared to fatherless children. Fathers involved in raising their kids help them learn assertiveness, independence, self-confidence and social skills, according to the 2006 Health & Human Services report. Healthy father-child relationships also help young ones learn how to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
Recommendations
One of the most important things a father can do is to offer his time. It shows children they are loved and it also supports their healthy development. Playtime is a source of both fun and quality bonding. Fathers who tackle projects or chores with their kids teach responsibility that contributes to developing self-confidence. Dads' methods of discipline also have substantial effects on their children. Fathers who respond calmly to misbehavior teach their kids that angry outbursts aren't the way to deal with problems. Nurturing fathers who keep their emotions in check are more likely than others to have less-aggressive boys and girls who are not as negative with peers.
References
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension; The Importance of Fathers and Father Figures; Ellen Rondina, MSW
- Child Welfare Information Gateway; The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children; Jeffrey Rosenberg and W. Bradford Wilcox; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center; UM Researchers Find Further Evidence to Support the Importance of Fathers; May 2000
- National Fatherhood Initiative: The Father Factor
