The power of a father’s influence is immeasurable
Mothers have long been recognized for the enormous role they play in the psychological, physical and emotional rearing of children.
What’s rarely discussed is the father’s definitive impact.
As we prepare for Father’s Day — the annual celebration of fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in our society — I want to discuss the importance of a father’s guiding role in raising children.
Many assume fathers play a more distant role of providing guidance and support for children, with most believing they are not nearly as involved as mothers.
However, a recent article by Dr. David L. Hill, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that this perception is just not the case.
Based on his article, “What Dads Are Good For: A Pediatricians-Dads Perspective,” most dads do play a significant responsibility in hands-on parenting, with high involvement and regularity in the developmental nurturing of their kids.
As an example, fathers play an important role in a child’s mental development.
Studies show children who have an involved father tend to have higher IQs than those who do not.
This mental development effect tends to begin early on in a child’s life.
In addition, supportive, playful, communicative fathers tend to have toddlers who have better linguistic skills and cognitive capabilities.
These children tend to be less stressed by the demands of school and can better focus on tasks.
In fact, children with supportive, highly involved fathers tend to be 43% more likely to make A’s on their schoolwork and 33% less likely to be required to repeat a grade.
These benefits extend into high school as well, resulting in teens with better verbal skills, intellectual functioning and academic success.
This developmental maturation eventually affects the child in the workplace, as those who had a close relationship with their fathers during childhood tend to show more confidence and higher ambition to succeed at work.
Another area where fathers can have a profound influence is a child’s emotional health.
Infants who have caring fathers tend to show more signs of emotional security and more confidence in exploring their surroundings.
These babies also tend to be comfortable with brief separations from their parents, and are more easily comforted when upset.
Children with caring, involved fathers tend to get into trouble less often at home, school and during social interactions, while tending to be more popular among peers.
School-aged children with supportive fathers have been found to lie less often, are less likely to become depressed and show less disruptive behavior.
Teens who are emotionally close to their fathers tend to have sex later and manage social situations more maturely.
Conversely, children who live with criticism and rejection on the part of their fathers tend to be more emotionally unstable and face more turbulent childhood and teen years.
Another important area to discuss is a father’s appropriate physical touch.
On average, fathers who regularly spend one-on-one time with their infants and young children in stimulating, engaging play, teach children how to better regulate their feelings and behaviors.
Even a little rough housing with dad has been shown to be extremely beneficial, as it teaches a child how to control aggressive impulses and reel in emotions.
It’s important to note, having a supportive, caring father in the home reduces the risk of child abuse, whether it be neglect, emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse.
On the other hand, fathers who are abusive can have a devastating effect on a child’s development.
Abuse of a child at any age, beginning in infancy, often leads to ongoing depression, school failure, low self-esteem, anti-social behavior, attachment and relational problems; substance abuse, eating disorders, promiscuity, delinquency and even adult criminal behavior.
Finally, fathers absolutely teach by example. For example, fathers who love to read are more likely to have children who love books.
Fathers who smoke are more likely to have children who do so.
However, the most powerful aspect of a father’s example is his treatment of other people... especially the child’s mother.
Studies show that a father who has a good relationship with his wife is more likely to be involved in the lives of his children, with the children more likely to be psychologically and emotionally healthy.
Fathers who treat the mother with respect and deal with conflict in an adult and responsible manner are more likely to have sons who treat women respectfully with less aggression.
Girls who see their fathers treating their mothers in a caring way quickly learn how men should treat them and less likely to become involved in violent or unhealthy relationships.
Children who grow up with a father who displays anger, contempt or ostracizing behavior are more likely to be anxious and withdrawn.
These children are less likely to enjoy healthy relationships as adults.
Further, an additional benefit of a father who treats the mother of his children well is that she tends to be less stressed, happier and will parent better herself.
Overall, it is very fitting as Father’s Day approaches to applaud all the great dads and their tremendous contributions to our children and to society.
It is also a time for dads to think about the important role they play in the lives of their children.
Remember, always set aside time to communicate, collaborate, indulge with, play, work and all the other important responsibilities of raising successful, well-adjusted children who will positively contribute to our next generation.
For other interesting articles on this topic, go to www.healthychildren.org, and type in "Fathers."
Happy Father’s Day!!
Dr. Mary Woods Ulrich has practiced pediatric medicine for more than 26 years and works at Pediatrics in Brevard, the Melbourne office, located at 1755 W. Hibiscus Blvd.