The Important Role of Fathers in Child Development
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When it comes to childcare, sometimes fathers are considered
second best. Fathers are stereotyped as secondary parents, incompetent, and
emotionally detached. They also face mockery when they admit they engage in
things like changing diapers and taking paternity leave. As a result, they are
forced not to take part in raising their kids. In the real sense, even though a
mother's love is unique and vital in a child's life, the role of a father in a
child's development is unique and cannot be filled by anybody. A father's role
has significant impacts on a child and helps shape them into better people.
How does a Father impact A Child’s Development?
Fathers who engage actively in their children's development
enhance their overall wellness, emotional health, self-respect, and social
development. Responsible and committed fathering during early childhood and
infancy contribute primarily to the child's emotional security and verbal
skills.
However, there are many fatherless homes out there.
Fatherlessness is growing significantly, and research shows that the absence of
a father figure in a child's development limits a child's life choices and
perception of life. The absence of a father in a child's life has other severe
consequences and outcomes, including the child is at significant risk of being
abused physically, neglected, and suffering severe injuries due to abuse and
emotional negligence. Additionally, 85% of youths in prison
today grew up in fatherless homes. Here are the roles of a father in child
development.
Before Birth
Fathers can be part of pregnancy by helping their pregnant
spouses and attending healthcare appointments together. Women are likely to
receive prenatal care in the first months of pregnancy if a father is involved.
This reduces the risk of infant mortality and premature birth.
While there are increased cases of unmarried couples giving
birth and fathers living apart, fathers need to have a supportive relationship
with the mother. This can lead to children who are self-confident and perform
better in school.
Infancy
Babies can bond and attach with their fathers just like
their mothers. Fathers who participate in an infant's basic care like changing
a diaper, feeding them, and responding to their cries tend to positively impact
their children's behavior and self-confidence. When fathers get involved in
infancy, their children are less likely to suffer from mental health problems.
Fathers are more likely to be a child's play partner than
mothers. Father's play with an infant is more energetic and active than a
mother's play. This can help a child explore and be more independent.
Early Childhood
Fathers who praise their young kids when they accomplish
something or behave well and kiss or hug them frequently are more likely to
perform well in school than fatherless children. Research
shows that fathers who are remorseful when they are upset or their children
misbehaving bring up less aggressive boys and girls with minimal negativities
over their friends.
Also, when a father is involved with their daughter at a
tender age, they will be limited to risks of early pregnancy, puberty, and
sexual experience. A father's involvement in a child's early development also
helps the child develop positively in advanced verbal speech. While mothers use
words a child is already aware of, fathers tend to introduce new words in a
child's language vocabulary.
Adolescence
Teenagers acknowledged and praised by their fathers are more
likely to have good school attendance and performance. A father's involvement
in puberty reduces the chances of mental health problems and dangerous
behaviors. Fathers tend to raise well-mannered boys and psychologically upright
girls.
Tips for Father Involvement in Child Development
Boost a Child’s Confidence
A father's emotional support for a child is priceless. By
helping the children know how much they are loved and valued, children develop
high self-esteem, confidence and are likely to be happier. Children can also
demonstrate greater frustration acceptance, less fear, and reluctance in a new
situation, and enhanced ability to resist peer pressure.
Enhances Intellect
Active fathers are helpful to their children as they help
them enhance their problem-solving capabilities and emotional intelligence.
Children whose fathers were involved in their lives since infancy perform well
in cognitive development demonstration and valuations as they have better
exploration and curiosity.
Children Have Someone to Look Up To
Fathers are their children's role models. They help
strengthen and promote good behaviors. In the end, children with fathers end up
having social involvement, minimal impulse control, and behavioral problems.
The children also become more passionate, generous, and mindful of others'
rights and needs.
Set Relationship Bars with Others
Fathers influence who their children are on the inside and
how they establish their relationships as they grow. How a father treats their
child has a significant impact on what the child will look for in others. A
child will choose their friends, partners, and spouses based on how they
understand what a relationship means with their father.
An active father is one of the most significant things in a
child's development. Growing up without a father has a wide range of negative
impacts on the child, including increased crime rates and low life quality. If
you are a new father and have no insights on positively impacting a child's
life, attend parenting classes and programs offered in different hospitals and
wellness centers. If you are a father and are in danger of losing your
relationship with your children, consider a paternity test to protect
yourself from people who would try to separate you from your children. You
won’t regret making the choice to be a part of your children's lives.
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