Fatherhood produces a healthy childhood

In today’s society, statistics are alarming of how many children are growing up in single parent homes, with the mother being the main provider. Yet in the light of the so-called, ‘deadbeat dad’ issues, research is being conducted on how father involvement affects children.
Researcher Tamara Halle, identified three main types of involvements for fathers with their children. Engagement, accessibility, and responsibility. While these words may seem simple, many fathers may not understand their meaning. To engage in their children’s lives means fathers should have direct contact with their children. Accessibility means the father makes their presence felt even when not in the home. The father is responsible for the child’s care and welfare, regardless if he is in the home. If the father is not in the home he should still call or visit, write letters, participate in school activities, or have alternate numbers, such as a beeper or cellular to allow the child to contact him whenever.
It is important for fathers to know that while he may be buying things, he must be able to give quality time as well. If a father is not able to have constant contact with his child, he should give it when able. This will help the child to develop in positive ways.
Paternal involvement often differentiates from the mother’s involvement, especially during play activities. “The mother tends to spend more time in routine care giving,” says Halle. “Fathers tend to play with their children on a more physical and stimulating level.”
Mothers and fathers influence their children in similar ways when dealing with morals, interactions in society, school achievement and having strong mental health. However, fathers seem to play a more important role when developing the role of children’s gender.
Dads are not just substitutes for mothers. Mothers and fathers do not always give their children the same qualitative support needed. The major roles fathers seem to play in raising healthy children are listed below.
Dads should be the economic provider. When not in the home the father should contribute to the expenses of their children through child support. “Many fathers, when not with the mother, tend to frown when the words child support becomes part of the conversation. However, the children suffer from the lack of support in the short run and hinder child development in the long run,” states Halle. Being an economic provider aids in the positive development of children.
Dad as friend and playmate. Fathers give more of their time when playing with their children than mothers. When children are younger (between the ages birth to 4) the father tends to play with their children in a more tactful, physical, and other activities that stimulate their kids.
Dad as caregiver. Fathers can give various forms of affection and comfort to their children. Fathers are just as warm to their children as the mothers. Although mothers provide more childcare.
Dad as Teacher and Role Model. Fathers assume the role of role model regardless if they are in the home or not. Fathers often teach by example.
Dad as monitor and disciplinarian. Fathers are not always the sole or main disciplinarians, mothers tend to discipline more. This is certain in single parent homes where the father is absent.
Dad as protector. Fathers also teach their children about health risks and how to keep themselves safe when the parent is not around. Particularly the father is the main source of sexual advice to young male children.
Dad as advocate. A recent study revealed that if a father were involved in their children’s schools it would produce positive outcomes for the child. The study also revealed that single fathers participate in their children’s school activities just as much as single mothers.
Dad as resource. Fathers can provide emotional support to the mothers of their children, whether or not they live in the home. Fathers also provide children with links to his family. This is important to children whose parents are not together. It offers the children with family history about the father.
Healthy children start in the family, through the parents. Children see their father in many ways so it is up to him to ensure a positive future for his children.