Research suggests that fathers bring something distinctive to their children’s development from infancy all the way to adulthood. My father has taught me many vital life skills. How to tell a target="_blank">Merlot from a Malbec .
The best way to sharpen a knife. The joy of humming, loudly, wherever you go (public or private). But when it comes to those facets of child development that some might consider, well, more profound, both science and society have traditionally focused on the influence and impact of mothers.
A growing body of research is now challenging that narrative. Mothers do have a mighty influence, but studies show that fathers have a unique and profound impact on their children’s development – from their mental health to their academic achievement via their behaviour. And so, suggests Adrienne Burgess, head of research at Fatherhood Institute: “we should really let fathers know how important they are”.
Babies Male role models are important even in the first year The health benefits of breastfeeding are well documented – fewer infections for the baby, a reduced risk of obesity and more. Less well known is the role that dads can play in all this. “A mother is more likely to breastfeed for longer if the father is supportive of that breastfeeding,” says Burgess.
There’s more. Another study found that “couple supportiveness” (each parent backing the other up, and helping each other out) during a baby’s first year was associated with them exh.
