By Joely Phenes
Both the mother and father are important in their own ways, but the combination of both parents is really what’s best for a child. Recently, there have been scientific studies that have proven how crucial a father’s role is in their child’s growth and development. For one, a child’s ability to connect and bond with their father, especially during their younger years, influences their ability to form other stable, healthy relationships later in life. Children that have strong bonds with their fathers are more likely to be emotionally secure, social, and academically successful. A study by the U.S. Department of Education revealed that children with involved fathers are 43% more likely to get mainly A’s, and are 33% less likely to repeat a grade than children without involved fathers. Positive father-child relationships have different effects on boys and girls. For boys, the effect is more behavioral, in that boys with good relationships with their fathers are generally less aggressive and less impulsive. For girls, the effect is psychological, so they normally have higher self-esteem and are less likely to become pregnant as teenagers. So, the ultimate question is, how do I become more involved as a dad? The most important thing is to take part in everyday activities such as dinner, television, and homework. You should also remember to have fun with your children, comfort them when they need you, and express your affection openly.