What impact does a caring and supportive father have on his children?

• Children with involved dads tend to perfom better in school academically than those with less connected dads.
• Children with involved dads tend to be strong social learners as well, feeling more satisfaction with school and friends.
• Children with involved dads tend to develop more self-confidence than children without active dads.

Children with involved dads tend to be better problem-solvers than their counterparts. As they mature, the behavioral, educational and social benefits are significant. Children with engaged fathers typically grow up to become productive, industrious, caring and involved members of their community.

What's more ... children with involved dads also have tons of fun.

The bottom line? Having a SAHD in your children's lives can be an enduring lucky strike. Having an involved father provides a role model for positive parenting, healthy caregiving, and a commitment to the entire family. Research on topics regarding family dynamics has shown that ...

• babies as young as six weeks respond differently to their fathers' approach and touch than to their mother's
• fathers who are more involved with their children tend to raise children who experience more success in their career. Career success can lead to greater income and greater financial stability
• involved fathering is related to lower rates of teen violence, delinquency, and other problems
• children who grow up in homes with involved fathers develop positive life skills and are more likely to take an active and positive role in raising their own families

For example, children who recall a secure, loving relationship with both parents tend to grow up to be more involved in the lives of their own children and more supportive to their wives.

Whether it's time spent whipping up fantastic culinary creations or immersed in activities, the days, years or even decades children spend with dad can make a positive influence that lasts a lifetime. (If you're part of a SAHD family, or thinking of becoming one, be sure to check out ParenTeam.com, a resource for working wives of SAHDs, for more information.)

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