Some people think your job only starts when your child can kick a ball. But the 700 or more research papers published annually prove beyond doubt that dads are indispensable.
10 reasons why you matter:
- Who else, other than mum, will tuck her into bed at night, teach her how to ride a bike, and buy her first pint?
- He's got your genes. You are a part of his history, who he is, how he looks, right down to those big ears and awkward gait.
- You matter to your partner, too. When you get stuck in from the start, breastfeeding is more successful and she is less likely to suffer from postnatal depression.
- You'll raise brainy kids. Children with involved fathers have better social skills when they reach nursery and do better in exams at 16.
- Being a good dad keeps your child sane. Father-child closeness is a crucial predictor of long-term mental health.
- Successful professional women tend to have at least one thing in common: fathers who respect and encourage them.
- Do well as a father and, when your child's time comes, she'll be a better mum.
- You'll keep him out of prison. Good fathering means your son is less likely to have a criminal record.
- She'll be happier later. Father involvement at age seven is correlated with your daughter's contentment with love at 33.
- Do you want your child to have higher self-esteem, be friendly and trust others? Your influence makes a difference.