Positive Parenting: Why Dads
Make a Difference
The mother-child bond is one of the most important connections humans can make. But no less important is the bond between father and child. A father’s presence — or absence — in his children’s lives can have lifelong consequences. Fortunately, today’s culture encourages men to go beyond traditional roles to be involved supporters of their children.
Studies Highlight Fathers’ Influence
Research points to the unique impact of fathers in their children’s development:- Fathers help their children develop through physical play. Mothers are more likely to use talking and teaching.
- Children whose fathers participate in their lives are more likely to have better educational achievement and economic status.
- Teens who feel close to their fathers are far less likely to smoke. And having a father who exercises is the single biggest factor in whether or not teens are physically active.
“What children need is a consistent, involved father, even when parents aren’t together,” noted Duane Gibson, Excela Health student assistance program liaison. “Going to a school function or volunteering at a scouting event shows that Dad cares and is interested. Children always focus much more on what they see than on what’s said. What children need most from their fathers is time.”
Try These Tips for Healthy Role Modeling
- Be a positive parent. Establish clear limits so children know your expectations. Encourage children to share their feelings, and listen attentively. And have fun: play games, go places, read together and share plenty of affection.
- Support children’s schooling. Know who your children’s teachers are, and attend parent-teacher conferences. Volunteer. Talk with your children about what’s going on at school.
- Model healthy habits. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy, low-fat diet and don’t smoke. Encourage children to follow a healthy lifestyle: Play physical games with them, offer healthy foods and limit TV and video game time.
“It’s important for both parents to practice healthy behaviors,” said Connie Magdic, RN, Excela Health’s smoking-cessation coordinator. “Tobacco use is often emulated by children as they grow older. And studies show the negative health effects of secondhand smoke on children — even to the unborn child, and even if you smoke outside! Our classes help tobacco users unlearn this harmful habit with much better success than if they tried to do it on their own. The entire family benefits.”
