The Important of An Involved Father

Good Parents want what's best for their child. Because you want to be a good parent, it's vital that you know how much children need an involved dad in their lives. An involved dad helps children in so many ways.

Lots of research shows that children who grow up with their dads do better, on average, in the following ways:

1. Better able to control their emotions.

   These children are:

   • Less likely to have emotional and behavioral problems
   • Less likely to be aggressive
   • 4 times less likely to have a mood disorder (like depression or anxiety)
2. Have better physical health.

   Children with an involved dad are less likely to be obese. That's because dads engage their children in physical play and can help their children learn the importance of exercise.
   These children are also:

   • 2 times less likely to die as infants
   • More likely to be breastfed
   • 2 times more likely to be fit
3. Have healthier relationships.

   Dads can help their children make good decisions about relationships. A good, involved dad's views affect what his daughter looks for in a boyfriend or husband. His views affect the kind of dad and husband his son will become, and how to treat girls and women. When a dad is present, teens are:

   • Less likely to have sex at an early age
   • 7 times less likely to become pregnant as a teen
4. Feel safer and more confident.

   Children are safer when their dad lives with them. Children who grow up without their dad are at a greater risk for child abuse. That's because a dad often plays the role of protector of his children. Children with involved dads are also:

   • 10 times less likely to be physically abused
   • 6 times less likely to suffer neglect
5. Less likely to use and abuse alcohol and drugs.

   An involved dad is an anti-drug. Children who use and abuse alcohol and drugs may do so because they lack the love and connection a dad and other family members provide. When a dad is present, children are:

   • Less likely to use alcohol or drugs
   • Less likely to abuse drugs
6. Do better in school.

   An involved dad helps children do well in school, even when a dad doesn't live with his children. When a dad is present, children are:

   • More likely to get A's
   • 2 times less likely to repeat a grade
   • Less likely to drop out of high school
7. Less likely to be poor.

   When a dad doesn't live with his children, it's harder for him to provide money to support his family. When a dad is present, children are:

   • 4 times less likely to live in poverty
   • 2 times less likely to experience poverty as adults
8. More likely to stay out of trouble.

   When a dad is present, children are:

   • Less likely to take risks that can harm them
   • Less likely to commit a crime
   • Less likely to go to prison