It is almost universally accepted that the more involved a father is in his children’s lives, the more successful these children will be. Countless studies have demonstrated the positive effects an involved father can have on the lives of his children. Sadly, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 24 million children in America live without their father’s presence in their lives.
One study conducted by the Father Involvement Research Alliance shows that babies with involved fathers are more emotionally secure and confident. As these children grow, they are more ready to start school and deal with attendant stresses. Children with highly involved fathers are also more likely to earn mostly As in school.
And the positive impact is not gender specific—both girls and boys benefit from paternal involvement. Girls with close relationships to their fathers have high self-esteem, and are less likely to become teen mothers. Boys are less impulsive, less aggressive, and more self-directed.
There are countless benefits of paternal involvement, and children who are close with their fathers are:
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University, involvement in everyday core activities like regularly sharing dinner with a child, or tucking them into bed, can have greater benefits than taking them on family outings on weekends.
Many studies have examined the differences between how fathers and mothers play with their children. Findings reveal that mothers and fathers have different ways of playing that foster distinctive aspects of a child’s development. Mothers tend to be more modulated, and less arousing, whereas roughhousing with Dad and more male interaction can help teach children how to deal with aggressive impulses and physical contact without losing control of their emotions.
Moreover, according to research, men do not need to be perfect fathers, just “good-enough.” Having an average-quality relationship with your children seems to be enough to ward off some of the negative ramifications of an absent or poor-quality father, such as high rates of teen pregnancy, delinquency, and depression.
If you are a father facing divorce or pursuing custody or access to your children, the Somerset child custody lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC will fight to help you retain a relationship with your children. We understand the importance of paternal involvement in a child’s life, and zealously advocate for fathers’ rights. To schedule a consultation, call us at 732-633-2224 or contact us online today.
We represent clients throughout New Jersey including Somerset County, Middlesex County, Union County and including but not limited to the towns of Somerset, Franklin, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Cranford, Summit, Union, Clark, Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains.
