Men’s bodies respond to parenting in ways remarkably similar to women’s, and their parenting style can influence children just as much – and sometimes even more – than that of mothers. Research into the parent-child relationship has shown that a father's love can sometimes have a greater impact on a child than a mother's love. The way parents relate to their child, whether they express emotions and how they do so, as well as how they care for the child, has a profound influence on the child’s development.
Insights from the rapidly growing fields of early childhood science and early brain development highlight the lifelong positive impact fathers can have by being actively involved from the earliest stages of their child’s life. The benefits for children go far beyond their early years!
Parental acceptance and rejection shape a child’s behaviour. Parental rejection can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, or a negative worldview. This applies to both parents, though in some cases, the father's influence is even more significant than the mother's. For instance, the level of acceptance and love a child feels from their father more strongly predicts whether they will feel safe, happy, and satisfied with life in adulthood – even more so than the love and acceptance felt from their mother.
People whose fathers were actively involved in their childhood are more likely to build successful careers, enjoy stable and lasting marriages, and cope with stress more effectively. On the other hand, when a father is emotionally absent and fails to form a psychological and emotional bond with his children, it can have a long-term negative effect.
Is fatherly care natural?
During their partner’s pregnancy – and especially after the baby is born – men experience hormonal changes. It has been shown that caring for a baby, and even just looking at, smelling, or hearing a newborn, can further alter a father’s hormone levels, in much the same way that sport, work, or achievement can raise testosterone levels.
Hormones help men become more sensitive and better at recognising their children's needs. Some researchers believe these findings challenge outdated stereotypes about men – they are not just aggressive or rough, but capable of feeling a full range of emotions.
Studies show that male hormones help develop tenderness and attachment, suggesting that gentleness and care are a natural part of being male.
Many men grew up in families where mothers and fathers had clearly divided roles. Today, many of them wish to be more involved, more emotional, and more deeply connected with their children. Even if they didn’t have that kind of father figure growing up, it doesn’t mean they can’t become one. Every moment spent with a child is a chance to build a relationship in which closeness and emotional expression are just as natural as strength.
If you’re expecting a baby or have just become a dad, read How to be an involved father from the very beginning and Building the bond between father and baby during the first year.
If your child is already a bit older, explore:
Building the bond between father and child during the second year,
Building the bond between father and child during the third year,
and Building the bond between father and child after the first three years.
Note:
The role of the father is incredibly important for a child's development, as the presence of a loving and supportive dad brings numerous benefits to a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. However, if the biological father is not present, other father figures – such as grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, or close family friends – can offer the same positive impact, provided they are involved, consistent, and caring in their relationship with the child.
For simplicity, we use the word “dad” throughout the text, but we are referring equally to all father figures – biological fathers, stepfathers, guardians, adoptive fathers, or any adult male who is actively present in the child’s life.
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