16 Weeks Pregnant

The Power of Involved Fathers

Because the focus of pregnancy is primarily on the woman and unborn baby, many men enter fatherhood not understanding the importance of their roles. However, fathers are incredibly vital in their families' lives, as current research clearly points out. Recent findings have shown that when fathers believe that they're essential to the lives and health of their children, they become more involved.

But what difference does your presence as a dad really make?

Children of fathers who are involved in their lives are more likely to perform better in school, display higher levels of social competence, and experience fewer behavioral problems, according to studies performed by the US Department of Health and Human Services. These lucky kids are more likely to have healthy self concepts and be equipped to deal with life's challenges, feel better about their lives as adults, and also tend to have healthier marriages. Even more incredibly, daughters of involved fathers have higher self-esteem and begin sexual activity later in life than girls of less involved fathers.

One of the biggest reasons for this remarkable difference between children of delinquent fathers and children of dotting fathers is that being loved, adored, attended to, and stimulated by two people increases a child's sense of self, her intellect and social skills, and so much more.

This certainly doesn't negate the power of mothers, but rather reminds you that father involvement makes a significant difference in the life of your baby. Don't ever forget how much of a positive effect your involvement has on your child … no matter how old he or she is.