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:

  1. Who else, other than mum, will tuck her into bed at night, teach her how to ride a bike, and buy her first pint? 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. You'll raise brainy kids. Children with involved fathers have better social skills when they reach nursery and do better in exams at 16.
  5. Being a good dad keeps your child sane. Father-child closeness is a crucial predictor of long-term mental health.
  6. Successful professional women tend to have at least one thing in common: fathers who respect and encourage them.
  7. Do well as a father and, when your child's time comes, she'll be a better mum.
  8. You'll keep him out of prison. Good fathering means your son is less likely to have a criminal record.
  9. She'll be happier later. Father involvement at age seven is correlated with your daughter's contentment with love at 33.
  10. Do you want your child to have higher self-esteem, be friendly and trust others? Your influence makes a difference.