I found this wonderful article called “The Hidden Benefits of
Being an Involved Father” on Education.com written by Garret D. Evans that very
nicely outlined the benefits of fatherhood and who they benefit. This article was split into four sections and
I will follow these sections as I talk about what I read.
Benefits for Children
Fathers who are
involved produce higher scores on cognition tests for their children than
uninvolved fathers. Their children are
considered smarter and more successful in school because their father is
involved. Being an involved father means
that the father is taking action in everything from play to childcare to being
there for his child. Children who have a
father like this are more likely to head to college, have greater success in
their career, and exhibit “positive child characteristics such as empathy,
self-esteem, self-control, psychological well-being, social competence, and
life skills” (Evans).
Benefits for Children with
Non-resident Fathers
We know from
other studies that divorce has a huge impact on the family, one of which is
often the separation of children from their father geographically. However, this does not mean that fathers
should give up contact entirely. In this
article, Evans discusses the benefits that children have from having a dad who
maintains contact even if he isn’t living with them. These kids still have higher grades than kids
who have uninvolved fathers. They have
better social skills because they learn to make friends more easily and deal
with difficult social interactions.
Children who live separated from their father but stay in contact don’t
have as many behavioral problems including those inside the home. These children, especially the daughters,
also have “fewer mental health problems as adults” (Evans). Fathers are important in a child’s life no
matter what the circumstances are.
Benefits for the Family
Fathers don’t
just help their children. Having them in
the home can best display loving and nurturing relationships between
spouses/parents. There is often better
communication between family members and the father because he is obviously
involved. There is less distressing
conflict with teenage children because there is a solidified relationship
between the father and the child. There
is also a greater sense of commitment and harmony in the family when the father
is involved.
Benefits for Fathers
Fathers also benefit from being involved which
is wonderful because the best things in life should help everyone. Fathers seem to be more comfortable and more
successful in their work. They are
confidence in their ability to do well at work, in parenting, and in social
relationships. Fathers who are
interested and engaged in their family relationships find that they have secure
attachments with their children and feel that they can rely on others for
help. They also report an easier time in
coping with stress and life’s difficulties.
I work with juvenile delinquents and I can see how applicable this article is to them. On average our most troubled boys don't remember the last time they talked with their fathers. But our boys that get regular visits seem to have more motivations and excel in program. In general the fathers are the strongest influence on these boys, whether it is positive or negative. Now the fathers need to step up and be men and be that positive influence these boys need.
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