Positive Involvement In A Father's Life

A great emphasis has always been placed on the relationship between a mother and her child, however, is the importance of a father's involvement in his child's life is being overlooked? The role a father has in his child's life and influence on his intellectual, social, and emotional health is irreplaceable. There’re so many positive characteristics an involved father passes on to his child for instance, fathers are known to be more playful with children, which allows the child to learn and explore boundaries. The effects of positive father's involvement in a child's life is crucial for healthy development. I will also be discussing the components of an involved father, looking at the positive effects of fathers through different life-stages

Emotionally and cognitively, children may have difficulty in internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Negatively internalizing behavior can result in depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes according to U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census. Socially, teenagers can have troubles in getting along with other children and are at risk of peer problems. Adolescents who live without their father are more likely to engage in an earlier sexual activity. "Daughters of single parents are 53% more likely to marry as teenagers, 164% more likely to have a premarital birth, and 92% more likely to dissolve their own marriages. All these intergenerational consequences of single motherhood increase the likelihood of chronic welfare dependency." Teenagers and the ones which will become young parents may continue the cycle that their father started with not being involved in their life. Fathers have a special bond needed by their children. The way that a father plays and interacts with his child throughout different stages of life, teaches children valuable life-long lessons. The positive involvement of fathers in the life of his child allows the child to form an emotional attachment and lessons that will be needed in his development. As children grow older, fathers promote curiosity and exploration through play. In adolescent and young adult years, it is crucial for fathers to be supportive and encouraging in academic and social activities. In all their efforts fathers must be supported and encouraged to develop and grow in their relationship with their child as their influence on children has no price, or does it? 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home, 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes, 71% of all high school dropouts come