Fatherhood

    For this blog, I am reporting on an article I read about fatherhood from fatherly.com. I loved the whole article and it was so difficult to narrow my favorite parts down to just five things. Below are my top five favorite topics that the article discussed.

    1. Good Dads Are Incubated

Traditionally, dads are the ones responsible for teaching their kids how to ride a bike, throw a football, and wrestle. A book from 1977, Constructing Fatherhood by Deborah Lupton and Lesley Barclay suggest that the more involved a dad is, the stronger the relationship will be with their kids. Examples of this is spending serious quality time together and not just getting the energy out. Spending quality time begins before the baby is born. In 2011, a literature review claimed that fathers who are engaged and involved in the pregnancy of their child tend to remain in the child's life as they grow up.

    2. Good Dads and Engaged Father Figures

In a best case scenario, a father should be at home with the kids. On the other end of the spectrum, the worst case scenario would be for a father to be totally absent. If you're somewhere in the middle such as families with fathers who are deployed in the military, remain in contact as frequently as possible. Of course, quality is always better than quantity. If you are lucky enough to be a dad who is home every day, don't isolate yourself from the children, spend time with them, learn about what they experience every day and how they feel about things in their lives. If you are unable to be with your family, call often or do whatever you can to be involved.

    3. What Is a Good Father to an Infant and Toddler?

   A study from 1991 by J. Kevin Nugent provided strong evidence that a fathers influence had an effect on the cognitive development of their newborn children. Even though they may not remember, newborns need the presence of a loving father who is involved in their lives. A study from 2018 by Joshua A. Krisch showed that out of 9,000 adults, the death of a father showed similar effects on the children, particularly sons, as an ugly divorce.

    4. What Is a Good Dad to a Daughter?

Although fathers may not be able to relate to everything their daughters may experience, they still play a major role in the moral decisions of their children, specifically their daughters. Girls who grow up with a close relationship to their fathers are less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. Fathers need to make sure they are supportive of their daughters in extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, and other hobbies. And while at home, be sure to provide emotional support and listen to your daughters.

    5.  What Happens When Dad disappears?

Would you believe me if I told you that children are more likely to be successful when a father dies versus when parents get divorced? Well according to Princeton University's Fragile Families Study, that is true. And worse yet, fathers who are sent to jail or prison also run the risk of their children being less successful in life. It is so important for a father to be involved as much as possible, even if they are gone for work.

    In conclusion, the presence of a good quality father has a significant impact on the lives of their children. Although nurturing has traditionally been the role of the mother, fathers also play a key role in the development of their children simply by just being around and being present with their family.

 https://www.fatherly.com/health/science-benefits-of-fatherhood-dads-father-effect