DADS MATTER!

Written by Lance Green

There have been many studies done over the years and the impact of fathers has become well documented. In previous years, mothers were in the forefront of most studies when it came to documenting parental impact on children, but over the past couple of decades, there has been a lot more focus on the father figure.  It has been shown that kids that grow up with a healthy relationship with a male role model are less likely to end up in jail, more likely to complete their schooling and are also a lot less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as sexual relations from an early age and with multiple partners. These kids are also likely to have more stable relationships when they are older and usually end up in better paying jobs than their peers that did not have a father figure in their lives. The effect can be seen as early as 3 years old, with kids with fathers around having higher IQs and less behavioural problems that those without a strong male role model. Children with fathers that are involved in their lives are also less likely to have psychological issues during their lives than those with no male parental figure or one that is disengaged. Fathers that show interest and actively participate in their children’s lives encourage them to do better. A father figure is important to a child’s overall development. 

Until now, although there were some suggestions of it, there was not research put into discovering how important a father is in the upbringing and development of a child. More and more research is now being directed towards assessing the long term impact of involved fathers vs lack of a male role model or fathers that negatively impact their children through neglect or directed harm both physically and mentally. Some of the results have been very interesting. Divorces that are not amicable can be very detrimental to children, this may seem quite obvious. However, where the father is still involved in the children’s life, children of all genders and social backgrounds tend to be less aggressive. Female children in particular display less delinquency when they have an involved father figure in their lives. The old saying of quality of quantity is especially true when it comes to dad being interested in their children’s lives as well. Just sitting watching TV together is not nearly as good as talking, doing things together, playing a game or showing interest in the child’s hobbies and interests. Active participation is necessary. 

It seems that modern fathers in general are wanting to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Society is very encouraging and there is a lot more support available for dads. While active fatherhood almost seems to be a new phenomenon, it is just that there was not as much interest in the subject for studies in the past. Currently, studies are being done at every stage of childhood development in order to get a conclusive finding on parenting where both a male and a female figure are present. 

Fatherhood does not start at birth but actually from conception. The child will inherit genetic matter from the father as well as the mother. This can include risks of genetic disease as well as looks. For potential dads who carry markers for serious genetic ailments, it might be advisable to get genetic counselling before trying to become a dad, especially if the risk is high. For all dads, epigenics is important. This is trying to ensure the switching on of good genes through lifestyle choices and environmental factors. So just as mom has to try and be healthy as possible and kick bad habits before falling pregnant, dad’s lifestyle is equally important to what genes are switched on in the children. Some studies have shown a correlation between alcohol use and poor diet resulting in negative outcomes such as heart defects and high blood sugar in their offspring.  Dads also need to take part in parental groups, antenatal classes, be there at check-ups and participate in the labour. This can all help with the parental bond. The earlier dads get involved the better. Dads that get involved early on tend to be more attached and stay more involved in their children’s lives than those who are not involved during the early stages. Where possible, dads should spend time with the newborn right from the start and take some time off to spend with mom and baby after the birth. Dads should put in the effort right from conception, not only later on when the kids start to walk and talk.  

It is not just about showing up, but it is better than being absent, so this would be step one. It is vital that dads attend important events in the children’s lives even if they live apart from the mother of their children. Even if dads can’t be there, they can still stay in contact via video calls, texting, social media or even writing a letter. Children need to know their father cares about them and wants to be part of their lives, even if he cannot always be there physically. It is also important that dads provide for their children in a financial way to try and improve their outcome. When dads are around their kids it is important to engage with them in a positive way. Show affection and interest and motivate them in a positive way. Dads who spend a lot of time with their children but who are not engages or are insulting or dismissive towards their children are likely to have a much more negative impact in the long run.  

Engaged, positive parenting from both parents goes a long way towards improved development for infants and toddlers. Short term investment for long term rewards. Dad being there from the early part of growth helps improve outcomes in social, emotional and behavioural aspects of early childhood development. All kids need their dads, so get involved! Your kids will reap the benefits.