The Importance of Fathers

"Fatherhood turns out to be a complex and unique phenomenon with huge consequences for the emotional and intellectual growth of children." - Psychology Today.

Fathers everywhere are thinking, "Finally, I am validated." Fathers are crucial to childrearing. According to David Popenoe, a famous sociologist,
"Fathers are far more than just 'second adults' in the home. Involved fathers - especially biological fathers - bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is likely to bring." Fathers make significant contributions to a child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

The Father's Role in Physical Development
Fathers are much more physical with their children. They tend to wrestle with their children. They tickle. They chase their kids, throw them in the air. This roughhousing helps children develop their muscles and their sense of balance. It also helps develop independence in children. According to John Snarey, a fathering expert, children who roughhouse with their fathers learn that violence is not acceptable. The children learn when it is time to settle down and begin to regain control.

The Father's Role in Building Confidence
While a mother tends to be cautious, always warning, "Be careful", a father tells the child to run faster, climb, try again. This interaction builds confidence in the child. Either one of these interactions by itself can be detrimental to the child. The mother can cause the child to be to cautious and scared of situations; the father can cause the child to be reckless. Both types of interactions are necessary for proper development.