Fatherhood

The consistent and frequent presence of a father makes a powerful difference in the development and socialization of a child. The involved father's role is in encouraging independence, assertiveness, and a self-concept that involves acceptance of one's intellectual, physical, social, and gendered self.

Fathers play a large role in nurturing their children and can foster creativity, a positive body image, moral standards, and social competence. The notion of "father presence" extends the role of the father beyond physical and financial boundaries to include emotional and care-giving responsibilities.

Numerous studies have emphasized that fathers' availability and involvement reduce aggressive behavior in boys. Meaningful paternal involvement also improves the well-being of younger children. Fathers' expressiveness and intimacy with their children appear to have the greatest long-term implications for children's development.

Characteristics of Effective Fathers
Fathers have the opportunity to spend quality time with their children that may contribute happy memories to last a lifetime. While each father is a unique person who parents in his own style, there are some characteristics that effective fathers have in common.

They are involved in the day-to-day lives of their children. They help their kids find answers for problem areas. They are interested in what is going on at school. They participate in community and extra-curricular activities with their children. They are a presence in their kids' lives.
They demonstrate unwavering love, communicating to their children in words, affection, smiles, and actions just how special each one is. And letting them know that their love for them will last forever, no matter what.
They provide support for their children, financially, emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. They encourage and assist their youngsters in the development of all aspects and aspirations of life. They are not ashamed of their children.
They practice appropriate discipline, taking into account the age and personality of each child. What works with a school-age child may not work with a teenager. Fathers discipline with respect and with love, the goal being to help socialize their children in positive ways. Good fathers set limits and are firm. They let their children know their beliefs and expectations but rely on explanations and reasoning rather than force.
They schedule time on a regular basis to interact with their children, whether going to some special event, working in the tool shed, doing chores together, sharing ideas, engaging in a joint hobby, or just "hanging out". Theyreallylistento their children, trying to be sensitive to the meaning of the words spoken and the emotional feelings behind those words. They realize that their time with children is really an investment in them. Fathers are busy persons, but rather than saying, "I don't have time," they might consider asking,"How much time will it take?" Taking time for the child when the child needs that time will be much more important than taking time for the child when it is convenient for the father. Many fathers of adult children reflect back to those days when the children were home and wish they had invested more time with their children.
They provide consistency in their children's lives, providing a stable environment that children can depend on every day. Fathers set certain standards and values which they teach their children, and which they themselves adhere to. Consistency, however, does not mean being rigid. Dads also need to change and adapt to the changing needs of their children.

Although many fine single parents embody these qualities and valiantly raise their children to healthy adulthood, blessed is the child who has two parents working together to provide all of these things.