It was Pope John XXIII who said "it is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father."
Popes aren't always known for making sense, but there's a lot of truth in that. Just like motherhood, you can't simply dial it in if you want your kids to be the best they can be.
As anyone who was raised by a man who truly earned his 'World's Best Dad' mug will attest, the best fathers are available; dependable; interested, easygoing and fun.
In the majority of family break-downs in Ireland however, the family is headed up by Mum, meaning a vast number of children are not in full-time contact with their fathers.
While there's no denying single mums do Trojan work in raising happy, secure kids, there are lots of non-obvious reasons why having both parents fully involved in raising a child results in even better outcomes. Still, most dads underestimate the incredible power of their input.
For instance,
Barnardos research shows that the children of fathers who are fully involved in their lives have better social skills, fewer emotional and behavioural difficulties in adolescence and better school performance - and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
With Father's Day around the corner (it's June 19 folks), here are 10 facts about the benefits of having a strong father figure:
Behaviour:
- Children are less likely to end up in the criminal justice system when they have had regular contact with their father before the age of 11.
Education:
- Children are more likely to do well in primary school when their father shows kindness, care and warmth towards them at an early stage.
- Children are more likely to learn when their father also shows a keen interest in learning.
Social benefits:
- Children are more likely to be productive, industrious and caring members of society.
Development:
- A University of Florida study showed that fathers' interaction with babies reduced their infants' chances of experiencing cognitive delay.
Self esteem
- Both men and women who remember having loving, supportive fathers had high life satisfaction and self-esteem.
Mental Health:
- Children whose fathers are involved in their upbringing have fewer mental health problems as adults (this is especially true for daughters)
Careers:
- Fathers who are more involved with their children tend to raise children who experience more success in their career.
The future:
- Children who grow up in homes with involved fathers are more likely to take an active and positive role in raising their own families.
What do you think, do kids miss out if they don't have a strong male role model in their lives? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
