All over the world, a father’s influence is often seen as minor, even negligible, and his importance is defined by how well he provides for the family. But this is very far from the truth as fathers are often the role models that children look up to for acceptable behaviour and acceptance.
Research indicates that fathers are as important as mothers in their respective roles as caregivers, protectors, financial supporters, and most importantly, models for social and emotional behaviour.
Huffington Post partnered with Johnson & Johnson to share findings from the global report on fatherhood, as well as from several other studies that examine the powerful and enduring influence fathers can have on their children. Here are the 9 ways fathers influence their children according their report:
1. Their kids play well with others
Playful and affectionate interaction with fathers is shown to predict a child’s positive social-emotional involvement with others. According to a report in “Fathers and Their Impact on Children’s Well-Being”:
“Even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections.
2. Their partners and babies are healthier
The involvement of fathers before, during and after the birth of a child has been shown to have “lasting benefits,” including positive effects on maternal and newborn health, from increased prenatal and postnatal health-care visits, to more successful breastfeeding, to higher likelihoods parents will seek out immunisations and care for childhood illnesses.
3. Their children are more prepared for school…
Toddlers with involved fathers begin school with higher levels of academic readiness, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
4. …And go on to be more successful academically
When fathers are involved in their education, children not only do better at school, they are also more likely to graduate and achieve higher levels of career and economic success.
5. Their children start speaking earlier and are more verbally expressive
A father’s linguistic interactions with a child at an early age is strongly related to the development of his or her language skills.
6. Their children grow up less prone to depression
Paternal involvement has been linked to lower rates of depression, fear and self-doubt in young-adult children.
7. Their sons are less likely to be in trouble
The rates of delinquency from school are lower among boys whose fathers actively participate in their care.
8. Their daughters are more ambitious in their careers…
A father’s approach to household chores was a strong predictor of professional ambitions in daughters when they grew older, a University of British Columbia study found recently.
9. …And have a more positive self-image
Young women with engaged fathers also had higher overall opinions of themselves, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families also has reported, along with higher reported levels of self-esteem.
Adapted from Huffington Post
Please share with us the most important ways your father has influenced your life in the comments section below.
