Celebrating the Importance of Fathers

Today is Father’s Day – an occasion to celebrate dads everywhere, and to take a look at the importance of fathers in children’s lives.

Today is Father’s Day – an occasion to celebrate dads everywhere, and to take a look at the importance of fathers in children’s lives. (Photo: Flickr/andrijbulba)

Listen: [audio:090621msfathers.mp3]

Many fathers are involved in their child’s life from the first ultrasound to the delivery room and nursery – and studies find that dads who get involved early in their children’s lives tend to stay involved.

Dr. Rob Palkovitz is a professor of human development at the University of Delaware. He recently reviewed hundreds of studies on the importance of father involvement. He says caring fathers or father figures make a difference:

Palkovitz: An engaged father, one who really connects with his kid helps them emotionally to cope with life better, and behaviorally to have a better skill set.

Palkovitz says just as fathers impact their children’s lives, they are also changed by the experience of being a father. Men report that fatherhood made them more responsible and caring as people.