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Recent studies conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics has revealed that a father’s involvement can have positive effects on a child’s health, well-being, and growth. This study was not limited to investigating the role of biological fathers. Dr. Michael Yogman, co-author of this new pediatric report, insists that any male figure who occupies a large role in a child’s life can be considered a “father” figure.
Dr. Yogman, however, takes care to clarify that he is not suggesting that single moms don’t fare well in raising their children on their own. His stance is simply that children can benefit from having the added role of a father figure in their lives.
Fathers do not just play the role of a second mother. The ways fathers interact and play with children provide benefits that a mother’s care might not supply. Yogman writes, “Fathers do more of the rough-and-tumble style of play. They often encourage their children to explore and take risks, while mothers offer stability and safety.” The American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that children who regularly play with their fathers may have lower risks of developing mental health symptoms, like anxiety or aggression.
Psychologists like Eric Lewandowski have always investigated the role of father figures in child development, but more recent research looks holistically at all the studies, trends, and developments within this field. By looking back on the research of the past two decades, Lewandowski observes that fathers have always been assumed to be the oftentimes removed, financial support of the family.
This new study takes a step in a new direction and “encourages fathers to be involved as primary caregivers, and not just as ‘auxiliary’ support.” Ultimately, the report argues that the prevailing stereotype of men supporting their family predominantly through financial means should be changed. There are many ways a father can become more involved in his children’s lives and benefit their growth in his own unique way.
