A report released by the US Department of Education shows that when fathers are involved:
- Children are more likely to get A's and less likely to repeat grades.
- Children do better in school whether or not fathers live at home or if the mother is involved.
- Children's success is significant regardless of race, social status, or father's education.
Benefits of Father Involvement for Boys:
Fathers who spend time with their sons- even as little as five minutes a day- are giving them a far better chance to grow up as confident adults. Boys who feel that their fathers devote time to them and ask about their worries, school work, and social lives almost always grow up to be motivated and optimistic young men full of confidence and hope. By contrast, boys who feel their fathers rarely or never did these things have lower self-esteem and confidence, and are more likely to be depressed, to dislike school, and to get into trouble with the police.
Benefits of Father Involvement for Girls:
Fathers who spend time with their daughters help them feel capable. A daughter who has been helped to feel feminine and powerful by a loving, caring dad knows that the world is an interesting and fascinating place. She has a higher self-esteem and feels confident to plan for and control her future. Girls who have positive father involvement are three times less likely to become teenage mothers.
The research overwhelmingly supports dads staying involved! Please continue to make a difference in the lives of your children.
