Child Development: The Impact Of Fathers Influence On Children

Demographically, over 90% of the participants strongly agreed that fatherhood is crucial in our society. A little over 47% of fathers, that encouragement from the mothers of their children matters because of the obstacles they faced with finance, and their duties on the job. The final results of marital status statistics is over 80% married fathers, nine percent divorced, and six percent never married. One surprising statistic was 90% cohabitate with the mother and focal child (Glenn & Popenoe, 2006).

Cookston, Jeffrey. "Six Obstacles to Father Involvement-and How to Overcome Them." Greater Good. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2015. .

The article “The Distinct, Positive Impact of a Good Dad” focuses a lot on the basic impact of how much of an influence a dad is to a child’s life. It explains the difference between how the father impacts the child’s life in a more “open arms” way whereas, a mother has a more “closed arms” impact. Having a good dad around in a child’s life is more likely to make for a better future for the kid, compared to a child who doesn’t have a good dad in their life or little to no dad at all they have a less likely chance for a better future as studies have shown. Studies have shown that mental health is a huge issue with both genders when they have a strong relationship with their father as to being in a household with a

It is during this time a father needs to be present to father, shape and mold his children (Jones, Kramer, Kim A., Teresa L., Armitage, Tracey, Williams, Keith, as cited in Wallerstein, 1980, 1987). On their 10 year follow up, Wallerstein and Kelley found that regardless of the time spent with a father or not, the father continued to be a significant presence psychologically to adolescents, particularly to boys (Jones et al., as cited in Wallerstein, Kelley, 1974). On Kelley and Wallerstein’s 25 year follow up of their now adult participants in their longitudinal study, they have found that the effects of fatherlessness and divorce during their adolescents were long lasting. The participants in the study by Wallerstein et al. (2000) noted that “The impact of divorce hits them most cruelly as they go in search of love, sexual intimacy, and commitment” (p. 299). These same participants also stated in an interview that they had anxiety issues about relationships and intimacy problems into adulthood (Jones et al., as cited in Wallerstein et al., 2000). Wallerstein et al. (2000) participants of the research also stated that they had resentment towards their parents, particularly the fathers who were seen “selfish and faithless” (p. 300).

Family is the first contact an infant experiences and the environment child is raised determines their behaviors and social development. Father figures just like mother figures are important in raising and socializing children in becoming responsible people as they grow. Numerous researches to determine importance of fathers in early child development have been carried out and majority of them found out that just like mothers, the role fathers play in early childhood development including mental, psychological and physical development are crucial. The studies show that, children raised by single mothers are likely to have problems such as drug abuse, engagement in early sexual behaviors and other unsocial behaviors as compared to those raised by both parents. The paper will explore the role of fathers in child rearing, discussing strategies in raising children and exploring pros and cons of such strategies.

What is a fathers “responsibility”? Is it to nurture, or is it to provide, maybe even he could do both? In the novel Your Fathers, Where Are They, and the Prophets, Do They Live Forever? Dave Eggers, describes trivial emotional and mental repercussions that occur when there is an absence of a father figure. Sons and daughters alike, any disconnection with a meaningful individual, supposedly relatable in blood, would bring question and concern. A fathers’ relationship and support can be beneficial to any child’s growth. Giving children a solid basis of what kinds of responsibilities go along with being an adult and showing them compassion individualism and what it means to “be a man” is important.

Lastly, Vogel, Bradley, Raikes, Boller, and Shears (2006) conducted a study to explore whether or not a fathers presence in their children’s

Some scholars have argued the notion that fathers are important contributors to their children and adolescents’ psychosocial development (Mandara, Murray, & Joyner, 2005). According to Allgood, Beckert, and Peterson (2012), researchers are beginning to understand the importance of examining children’s perspectives and the relationships and levels of involvement children have with their fathers.

The estranged relationships between father and son tend to start from lack of communication. Fathers express their love through actions rather than words. When conflicts occur, they are unlikely to explain themselves, which leads to greater complications. In addition, fathers are often absent in the child’s youth for reasons such as work. However, absent fathers can have great influence on the child.

Standing Tall It is the human condition to be dependent upon others; this has always been so. Humans look up to siblings, best friends, grandparents, and even teachers but the most sought out dependency in life is in the form of a father. Much is expected from the male gender, but moreso of fathers. A father’s predetermined role in society is to make the decisions for, protect, and keep order in his home.

Per Psychology Today, children who have an involved father from birth tend to be more emotionally secure, confident, better educational outcomes and

In Fatherneed, Pruett (2000) reported on a scientific study that linked positive father involvement with lowered levels of disruptive behavior, acting out, depression, and telling lies; obeying parents, being kind to others, and being responsible; fewer behavioral problems in young boys; and girls being happier, more confident, and willing to try new things (p. 52).

“Children with fathers at home tend to do better in school, are less prone to depression and are more successful in relationships. Children from one-parent families achieve less and get into trouble more than children from two parent families.”( The Consortium for the Study of School Needs of Children from One Parent Families, 1980). Children in single-parent homes are becoming more common now days; more so single mother families, where there is an absent father in the child’s life. Whether the father is present or absent in the child’s life, they still have an influence in the development of the child. A father’s influence on a child’s development occurs when they are absent part or throughout the child’s life, from birth until adulthood, as well absence after a divorce or death.

The role of fathers is a complex one. Even though at some point in history fathers became uninvolved in theirs children’s lives, modern-day fathers are seeking to be present for their children, and today there are still some stigmas from the past that fathers have to deal with. Colonial father were more involved than industrialized fathers did; however, there pattern changed and nowadays there are diverse types of fatherhood.

It is common knowledge that children of single mothers have higher rates of antisocial behavior, aggression, anxiety, and school problems than children in two parent families. Children of single mothers are more likely to feel inferior to children of “normal” families and feel rejected or unwanted; all of which can have detrimental effects on their psychological development. Single-mother homes are more likely to fall below the poverty line which can result in health problems, including a lack of health insurance. Children from single-parent families are more likely to marry early, have children early, and get divorced themselves. Girls are at greater risk of becoming single mothers as a result of premarital childbearing or divorce. (McLanahan and Booth, 1989, as cited in Robbins & McFadden, 2003). In contrast, research has shown that children of divorce tend to adjust and recover and experience no severe problems or long-term effects (Coontz, 1998). It would seem that many of the problems faced by children of single mothers stem more from the poverty many single