9. LIFE-CHANGING BENEFITS OF HAVING A FATHER FIGURE AT HOME

Introduction

In today’s society, the role of a father figure at home holds great significance. A father figure is someone who takes on the responsibilities of a father, providing emotional support, guidance, and serving as a role model for their children.Research has shown that children with a supportive and involved father figure display enhanced cognitive growth and excel academically. This is especially true for children facing psychological or physical challenges. The impact of parenting extends far beyond childhood and has long-term effects on an individual’s well-being throughout their life (Mallers et al., 2010).

Traditionally, studies focused primarily on the mother-child relationship when exploring the effects of parenting over the life course (Flouri & Buchanan, 2003). However, recent research has shed light on the remarkable influence that a supportive and involved father figure can have on a child’s well-being. From cognitive development and academic achievement to self-esteem and pro-social behavior, having a caring father figure in the family positively impacts nearly every aspect of a child’s life.

In this article, we will explore the importance of having a father figure at home, the impact it has on children’s development, the challenges that come with the role, and how one can be a positive father figure.

What Is A Father Figure

A father figure is a male presence who assumes the role of a father in a household. While a biological father is often the primary father figure, it can also be a stepfather, an adoptive father, a grandfather, or any male caregiver who takes on the responsibilities and provides the care and guidance typically associated with fatherhood.

9.  Benefits of having a father figure at home on child development

Undeniably  mothers are wonderful. They do an excellent job of raising their children. However,  the presence of a father figure in a child’s life can have a profound impact on their overall development. Here are several areas where a father figure can positively influence a child’s growth.

1. It is essential to a child’s emotional and physical sense of security
The presence of a supportive man in a home give children a sense of emotional and physical security. Kids need to feel safe as they grow.  A supportive and involved father figure helps his kids to gain confidence and makes them live a life free of inhibitions.

2. Fosters the development of good interpersonal skills in children
The presence of a supportive man in a home foster the development of good interpersonal skills in children. Children who grow up in homes with a supporting Dad have a better chance of creating healthy and satisfying connections with other individuals throughout their lives.

3. It  helps in raising well-behaved children
According to recent studies, children who have a caring Dad are more likely to behave well.Dads have a bigger role in enforcing rules, and studies show that kids do better when rules are fair and strict. They are more reliable and consistent with discipline than mothers are, who often adapt it to the child’s emotional state.

4. Helps  children  develop language Skills
The presence of a caring and supportive father figure in a child’s life  encourages the growth of the child’s mind, language, and emotions.The relationship between a Dad and child significantly affects a child’s overall development, including their language, cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth.

5.Helps children develop Healthy emotional stability
Children who are exposed to fatherly  love in both words and actions will experience healthier emotional growth.  Children feel safer and more valuable in this loving setting. The basis of the relationships they will build throughout their lives is heavily influenced by these feelings.Depression, suicide, self-harm, and other mental health issues are less common in kids who have an actively participating Dad than in children who don’t.

6. Helps  children develop Upbeat and balanced self-image
Children’s self-perception is greatly influenced by their father’s time and attention. A child’s perception of their own value can be improved by spending time with a supportive father.A  supportive father figure engenders an atmosphere where children feel good about themselves  and this encourages the child to display upbeat and self-assured social behavior later in life. According to a review of more than 100 studies on parent-child relationships, having a supportive Dad is just as crucial to a child’s happiness, well-being, and success in school and in other areas of life as having a loving and nurturing mother is. Children who have a strong bond with their Dads from an early age and whose fathers take an active role in their daily care, including bathing, feeding, playing, and taking them to and from school, are more self-assured and, as they age, exhibit better social skills. On the other hand, kids who grow up with absentee father experience guilt, sorrow, and self-doubt well into adulthood.

7. Makes the  child perform better academically
Children’s connection with their Dad has a significant impact on their learning from the very beginning of their lives through elementary school, middle school, and high school. As a matter of fact, research has shown that kids with actively participating fathers are: 43% more likely to receive As in school and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than children without involved fathers. Studies show that  kids with supportive father involvement are better prepared for school, perform better academically, have stronger math and communication skills, are more emotionally secure, have balanced self-esteem, have fewer behavioural problems, and are more socially competent than children without involved and loving fathers

8. Provide good role model for children
Fathers play a crucial influence in a child’s development. Children can only learn about ‘maleness’ by seeing man role models.This is particularly true for male children, who develop their masculinity primarily through encounters with a father figure. Your sons may grow up unsure of how they should conduct as fathers and husbands if they don’t have those relationships. Growing up without a father figure has long-lasting consequences for boys.  Boys at risk of becoming men with issues with behaviour, emotional stability, and relationships with both significant others and their own children if this influence isn’t there in their life.

9. Helps children acquire better stress management skills
The psychological benefits of having an involved, active father figure are substantial (and they are not limited to childhood). People who had father figures who were actively involved when they were children are more likely to have better stress management skills. According to related research, fathers’ emotional absence (defined as being psychologically cut off rather than physically) has a long-lasting harmful impact on a child’s development. It’s challenging for a child to learn appropriate emotional responses, including stress management, when the father isn’t emotionally committed in their connection.

Challenges of Being a Father Figure

Being a father figure comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common obstacles that father figures may face:

Work-Life Balance
Balancing work responsibilities with family commitments can be challenging. Father figures often need to juggle multiple roles and find ways to prioritize spending quality time with their children. Effective time management and creating boundaries between work and personal life are key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Financial Responsibilities
Providing for the family financially can be stressful for father figures. Meeting the financial needs of their children while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance requires careful planning and management. Seeking support from their partner or developing financial strategies can help alleviate the burden and ensure the well-being of the family.

Limited Time 
Building a strong and trusting relationship with children takes time and effort. Father figures need to invest in building connections, effective communication, and understanding their children’s individual needs and interests. Active participation in their children’s lives, such as attending school events or engaging in shared activities, strengthens the bond and fosters a sense of closeness.

How To Be A Positive Father Figure

Being a positive father figure is a continuous process of growth and learning. Here are some strategies to help individuals fulfill this role effectively:

Spend Quality Time
Allocate dedicated time for activities that foster bonding and connection with your children. Engage in shared hobbies, have meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories together. Quality time spent together strengthens the emotional bond and builds trust.

Show Affection and Support
Express love and affection regularly. Provide emotional support, praise achievements, and encourage your children to pursue their passions. A father figure’s unwavering support and belief in their children’s abilities can have a lasting positive impact on their self-confidence and overall well-being.

Be a Good Listener
Practice active listening and show genuine interest in your children’s thoughts, concerns, and experiences. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings. By being attentive and empathetic, a father figure fosters open communication and strengthens the parent-child bond.

Set Boundaries and Provide Discipline
Establish clear boundaries and expectations while providing consistent discipline when necessary. Teach responsibility and accountability, guiding children towards making positive choices. Setting firm but fair limits helps children develop self-discipline and a strong sense of right and wrong.

Conclusion

Having a father figure at home is crucial for the holistic development and well-being of children. The emotional support, role modeling, and guidance provided by a father figure positively influence children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. While being a father figure comes with its challenges, it is a rewarding and important role that shapes the lives of children. By investing time, showing affection, and providing guidance, individuals can become positive father figures who make a lasting impact on their children’s lives.

FAQs

Q: Can a father figure be a non-biological relative?
A: Yes, a father figure can be a non-biological relative, such as a stepfather, adoptive father, or grandfather.

Q: What if a child does not have a father figure at home?
A: While it is ideal to have a father figure at home, children can still thrive with the support of other positive adult role models or mentors.

Q: How can a father figure support a child’s education?
A: A father figure can support a child’s education by showing interest in their academic progress, helping with homework, and encouraging a love for learning.

Q: What if a father figure faces challenges in balancing work and family life?
A: It’s important for father figures to prioritize their family and find a healthy work-life balance. Open communication and time management strategies can help in this regard.

Q: Can a single mother be a father figure?
A: While a single mother cannot fulfill the traditional role of a father figure, she can still provide emotional support, guidance, and serve as a positive role model for her children

References

Dowd, Nancy. The Man Question : Male Subordination and Privilege, New York University Press, 2010. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uow/detail.action?docID=865987.

Flouri E, Buchanan A. The role of father involvement in children’s later mental health. Journal of Adolescence. 2003;26:63–78. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Mallers MH, Charles ST, Neupert SD, Almeida DM. Perceptions of childhood relationships with mother and father: Daily emotional and stressor experiences in adulthood. Developmental Psychology. 2010;46(6):1651–1661. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Dr. Edward Omeire

Dr. Edward Omeire is the founder and editor in chief of Men’s Central Blog. He oversees all editorial content across its web platforms. He is a sociologist, a street photographer and content writer. He hold a PhD in Sociology and lectures at Federal University of Technology, Owerri- a leading tertiary institution in Nigeria. He has several publications in peer-reviewed journals. He is passionate about men’s health, inclusive masculinity,fatherhood,family life, relationship,tech, aging and more. He encourages men to be open about their struggles and pains and also support them in their vulnerability, helping them to find their feet, and strengthening them as they move out into the world again.

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