Importance of Fathers

Everyone knows that mothers are vital to the development of children. However, we often wonder what fathers contribute. Do fathers matter?

A study was done that researched what mothers and fathers do differently in the home and how it affects children. They looked to see if fathers have the same impact as mothers.

The study involved three different waves of interviews and in-depth questionnaires with seven hundred families. Fathers, mothers and children were interviewed regarding the roles of mother and father and how children were affected.

The fathers and mothers in the data showed that there are different contributions. Father’s involvement and connection with children is associated with internalizing pressures, like depression, and also externalizing behaviors, like acting out in school and getting into trouble. The more fathers are involved, the better children will feel and behave. Mothers in the study tended to have more effect on adolescent pro-social behavior.

While fathers may have less time for children because of employment, father involvement is a greater predictor of academic performance than mother involvement. This is because fathers are often concerned with the educational and professional success of a child. Dads are more likely to take the long term view and to encourage kids to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities.

Several traditional roles are also invaluable for children. The role of the provider is something many lose sight of. Another traditional contribution of fathers is discipline. Dads play an important role when establishing a climate of order in the household. They tend to have an authority when it comes to discipline. They are more firm; they even speak in a deeper tone of voice. Fathers also roughhouse and are more playful physically than mothers. This is not only fun, but allows children to learn how handle their bodies better.

Fathers’ contributions in the home have always been important, but it seems their contributions are expanding as well. In the last several decades, married fathers have been taking more responsibility for child care and children’s activities than they have before. There has been broadening in terms of what fathers do. A lot of married fathers, not only are typically working and supporting the family, but they’re also involved, especially on weekends, with play—going to soccer games and helping to manage sleepovers. So, it’s a much more differentiated role for men than earlier in the twentieth century.

While men may be visiting elementary schools and changing more diapers than they used to, much of their involvement with children still rests with mothers. The mom really plays a central role in helping give the dad access and encouragement about spending time with the child. Having a positive spousal relationship is something that has pretty consistently been shown in the research as also affecting both quality and quantity of Dad's interaction with the child.

Mothers will always hold an invaluable role in children’s lives, but as research is showing, so will fathers. Father's are really important. We need to think about what allows them to do their job and what lets them be more involved in children’s lives is really important.

From LDS Living, Inc., 2009.